SaharaReporters has reported that a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting and engaging in homosexual acts with junior colleagues in Borno State.
Military sources disclosed to SaharaReporters that the suspect, identified only as Lieutenant Abubakar, was apprehended in Bama, Borno State, last month. The incident is currently under investigation by the military police under the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army.
Multiple sources have claimed that the Lieutenant had been engaging in these acts for an extended period.
A source told SaharaReporters, “A serving officer was last month arrested while engaging in forceful homosexual act with his junior colleagues in Bama, Borno State. He was arrested with clear evidence and is under investigation with 7th Division military police.”
Another source confirmed the arrest, stating, “Yes, it’s true. Though I don’t have much information on the issue but I saw him being handcuffed by the military police.”
A Captain in the army expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of such acts within the military, alleging that authorities often cover up these incidents.
Homosexual acts are illegal in Nigeria under the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013.
In the 12 Northern states that have adopted Sharia law, the maximum penalty for such offenses is death by stoning. Borno State, where the arrest occurred, is one of these states.
In the Southern part of Nigeria and in Northern states operating under secular law, the maximum penalty for same-sex sexual activity is 14 years imprisonment.
