The Lagos State Police Command has said it arrested 57 persons suspected to be involved in homosexual activities in the Egbeda area of the state on Sunday.
CP Edgal Imohimi, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police,confirmed the arrest to newsmen during a news conference.
He said:
“Intelligence gathered revealed that some youths will be initiated into a Gay/Homosexual Club between 1 a.m and 2 a.m. at Kelly Ann Hotel/Events Centre, located at No. 3-7, Adenrele St., Egbeda, an action contrary to Section 1 (1) of Same Sex Marriage, Act 2014.
“Consequent upon this, some operatives from the Shasha and Idimu Police stations stormed the venue and met no less than 80 young men.
“They were taking different types of drinks, including banned substances such as Tramadol, and Shisha laced with substances suspected to be marijuana.
“As soon as they sighted the Police, they ran into different directions, but the team arrested 57 of them,” he said.
The CP said that investigation into the case was ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court soon.
Some of the suspects who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria denied the allegations.
According to them, they were there for a birthday party
One of the suspects, James Obialu, said he attended the party to dance, and denied being gay:
“I’m not gay, I’m a dancer and I was there to perform before I was arrested. I’m a responsible citizen and I work at the Alimosho General Hospital as a counsellor for those living with HIV,” he said.
Another suspect, Samuel Olarotimi, 22, a graduate of Mass Communication from the Yaba College of Technology, accused the police of targeting the men, while the females at the party were not.
“I was there for a birthday party which started late. About eight ladies were at the bar with us, while some other ladies were dressing up in their rooms.
“I don’t know why the Police refused to arrest the females but brought us here as alleged homosexuals,” he added.