42 ‘homosexuals’ arrested in Lagos hotel

The police in Lagos state have arrested 42 men for alleged acts of homosexuality.

Olarinde Famous-Cole, the state police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest to PUNCH.

They were arrested on Saturday at Vincent Hotel located at Weigh bridge in Owode Onirin area of the state.

Famous-Cole said the hotel has since been cordoned off while the command is carrying out investigations into the development.

“About 42 suspected homosexuals were arrested and the hotel has been cordoned off while investigation continues. They are in custody of the Lagos State Task Force and will be charged to court soon,” he said.

A resident of the area who identified himself as Tunji told the newspaper that the police nabbed the suspects around 3:30pm.

He added that this is not the first time the hotel is harbouring homosexuals.

According to him, “there have been reports that the hotel harbours homosexuals. They were there this afternoon when policemen struck. About 40 of them were caught in the act”.

Nigeria is one of the countries that prohibits homosexuality.

While speaking at a workshop in June, Garba Abari, director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), had expressed sadness over the reported cases of homosexuality in the country.

“The wearing of tattoos, dreadlocks hairstyle, sagging trousers and the painting of hair have become a vogue among our young men and women,” he had said.

“Our youths are now publicly clamouring for the legalisation of gay marriage and are about to boldly take the campaign to the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly to press for it as a fundamental human right.”