Actor Sentenced To 3 Months Imprisonment For Engaging in Homosexual Acts

In November 2011, the Nigerian Senate passed a strict law banning same-sex marriage and public display of affection by gays and lesbians in Nigeria.

According to provisions of the bill – Same Sex Marriage (prohibition) bill 2011 – a 14-year jail term is prescribed for convicted offenders in Nigeria.

“Persons who entered into a same sex marriage contract or civil union commits an offence and are each liable on conviction to a term of 14 years imprisonment.

“Any person, who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organization, or directly or indirectly makes public show of same-sex amorous relationships in Nigeria commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a term of 10-year imprisonment,” it said.

A 28-year old actor, Bestwood Chukwuemeka was on Monday September 17, 2012 sentenced to three-month imprisonment by a Magistrate Court in Abuja for having sexual intercourse with another man through the anus.

At first he pleaded not guilty before accepting the crime. In his words; ‘’I am guilty of the charge against me. I was under the influence of alcohol and I want the court to temper justice with mercy’’, he said.

The police prosecutor, Mohammed Umar, had told the court that the convict committed the offence in August when the complainant was sleeping in his bed. Homosexual acts, the prosecutor said, was contrary to Section 284 of the Penal Code.

The Senior Magistrate however sentenced him to three months imprisonment without an option of fine.