A Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army has been arrested for allegedly molesting and having gay sex with colleagues in Borno State, mostly non-commissioned officers. The incident was confirmed by military sources on Saturday who identified the suspect simply as Lieutenant Abubakar. He was allegedly caught in the act in Bama, Borno State last month.
The sources said the military police, under the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army, consequently arrested the suspect. Investigation revealed that many junior soldiers claimed the Lieutenant had been molesting and having gay sex with them for a long time.
“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,” a source stated.
“Yes, it’s true. Though I don’t have much information on the issue but I saw him being handcuffed by the military police.”
“Homosexual is now common among senior officers and junior ones here in the army. Getting so rampant but the army authorities instead of shaming these guys are covering this bad act,” a Captain in the army added.
Homosexual is a criminal offence in Nigeria following the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013 signed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The maximum punishment in the 12 Northern states that have adopted Shari’a law is death by stoning.
Borno, where the suspected soldier was arrested is one of the 12 states with Shari’a law.
The law applies to all Muslims and to those who have voluntarily consented to application of the Shari’a courts.
However, in the Southern part and under the secular criminal laws of Northern Nigeria, the maximum punishment for same-sex sexual activity is 14 years’ imprisonment.