Two men, identified as Nurani Adeoye Bakare, 44, and Tayo Awoyemi, 33, have been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court for alleged homosexual conduct in the Yaba area of the state.
The defendants were arrested following a distress call from residents of a residential compound who reportedly became suspicious of the men’s activities.
Sources familiar with the incident claim that some residents forced their way into the apartment occupied by the suspects, an action that led to a violent confrontation before police officers arrived at the scene. It was reported that the two men were assaulted by the mob.
One of the defendants, Awoyemi, allegedly sustained physical injuries during the altercation, although official police confirmation of his medical status is still pending.
The defendants face charges of gross indecency and unnatural offences under the provisions of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014. Under this legislation, persons found guilty of such offences risk up to 14 years of imprisonment.
A police spokesperson confirmed the arrest, stating that the matter is being handled in strict accordance with the law.
The court has adjourned the case for further hearing and ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody.
