Prosecution given final chance in Nigeria gay trial

The trial of 47 men charged with same-sex public displays of affection in Nigeria has been adjourned until February.

The judge warned prosecutors that this would be their final chance after the team failed to provide any witnesses against the accused for a second day running.

The men have all pleaded not guilty to the charges, following their arrest at a birthday party in 2018. Some of the accused say their arrest has led to them losing their jobs and becoming estranged from their families.

Under a 2014 law, public displays of same-sex amorous relationships are punished in Nigeria with ten years in prison. The law also forbids same-sex marriage and penalises those who own, operate, or support gay clubs or meetings with 10 years incarceration.

In the north of the country, where twelve states operate under Shari’a law, the situation is even worse. Muslims who commit homosexual ‘offences’ are subject to harsh penalties, including amputation, lashing, stoning, and long prison terms.

According to a 2013 survey by the Pew Research Center, 98% of Nigerians believe that homosexuality should not be accepted by society.