The police say it will prosecute “members of the LGBTQ community” who have been publicly revealing their sexuality on social media.
In a now-viral video, some Nigerians, identifying themselves as lesbians, bisexuals, heterosexuals and transgender queer or questioning (LGBTQ) persons, participated in the “Of Course” challenge on TikTok.
The self-confessed LGBTQ members spoke about their sexuality and the misconceptions people have about them.
Reacting in a post via X on Wednesday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, police spokesperson, described the “LGBTQ members as criminals”.
Adejobi said their actions were “disgusting and destructive”, adding that the police would take necessary actions under the law to punish them.
“They are criminals and punishable under the law. We are on this clip to take necessary action according to the provisions of the law in Nigeria,” he said.
“These are unnatural offences and are totally condemned. It is even disgusting, evil and destructive.”
The video has triggered a wave of mixed reactions from some Nigerians on social media.
While some users asked if the anti-gay law is no longer effective, others called on the police to be more concerned with fighting insecurity in the country.
A user wrote: “It was disgusting to see Nigerians coming out without fear to support LGBTQ, this is highly condemned and unacceptable”.
“Look at this country, this is the last of our issues,” another user said.
Here is what some Nigerians had to say:
Please do and bring them to book publicly because the influence of that short video has gone viral ire oooo
— Ib1ness (@Ib1ness1) January 24, 2024
Just look at the nonsense a police PRO is saying. If someone this high ranking doesn't know the law enough to know that the crime is ONLY IN ENGAGING IN SAME-SEX INTERCOURSE, then we cannot expect any different from the lawless police recruits
— Ebube (@Ebube_Kene) January 24, 2024
We also like to get media updates on this issue so other intending actors will either hide themselves in shame or get out of our country to places were such madnes is lawful
Advertisement— Oga Mayor PCFR (@OgaMayorr) January 24, 2024
Lock them up! Na from clap them take dey dance.
— Dex_Lyon| 💙 De.Fi Army | 🏴☠️ QUEST | ❤ $WELL (@DexLyon_) January 24, 2024
No be them cause our problems for this country, go after our politicians
— Deadshot 🎯 (@spoton66) January 24, 2024
You never address for once the kidnappings in Lagos or the killings in Plateau, but it is people that are literally not hurting anyone you decide to dance around on. Please stop the actual violent criminals first before barking at people who just want to live their lives!
— Ebube (@Ebube_Kene) January 24, 2024
We are waiting to see them paraded because all they claim to be our constitution is against them. They are polluting the society and our children. This growing pandemic needs to be stopped immediately
— QueenEsther 👸🏻 (@queenconfessor) January 24, 2024
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