Islamic police in Kano in northern Nigeria have arrested five men accused of breaking laws on homosexuality.
Same-sex relationships are illegal across Nigeria under secular laws, and also prohibited under Sharia in about a dozen northern Nigerian states including Kano.
The Islamic Police Board in Kano said they had raided a “hideout” in the Kumbotso area after receiving “complaints” about the young men.
If found guilty, they could be jailed for 14 years – under secular law – or face the death penalty – under Sharia.
Arrests and prosecutions of the LGBTQ community in Nigeria have increased, since new legislation was introduced in 2014. Convictions are rare.
Source: BBC
