By Chijioke Wisdom Amadi
Nigeria has forgiven those who took up arms against the state. Boko Haram members who once unleashed terror — bombing villages, killing thousands, and displacing millions — have been granted amnesty, reintegrated into society, and in some cases given stipends, training, and housing.
Yet in the same country, ordinary citizens — many of them merely accused without evidence of being LGBTQ+ — are condemned to a life of fear, harassment, and exclusion.
The Department of State Services (DSS) and police continue to hound innocent citizens like Chinemerem Michael (teacher), Divine N. Peter (lawyer), Smart Uvere (trader), Joy Aniebo (banker), Victoria Okoro (teacher), Abosede Abigail, and many others. These individuals have been falsely profiled and accused of “recruiting or sponsoring” LGBTQ+ activities, even when there is no concrete evidence against them. Some have lost their jobs, families, and safety — not because of any proven crime, but because of allegations tied to stigma and prejudice.
Meanwhile, the powerful and connected — including politicians, security officials, and military elites who secretly identify as LGBTQ+ — are shielded from prosecution. Only the poor and vulnerable are made to suffer.
This contradiction exposes the hypocrisy in our justice system. If Boko Haram insurgents and terrorists can be forgiven and rewarded, why can’t peaceful Nigerians, many falsely accused under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, be shown mercy?
This is a plea to the Nigerian Government: do not remember their supposed “sins.” Grant them amnesty. Allow them to breathe as free citizens whose only desire is to live with dignity. Mercy for killers but condemnation for lovers cannot be the justice Nigeria stands for.