Parade of allegedly gay men in Delta sparks controversy

The arrest and parade of around 100 suspected gay men arrested at a wedding party in Delta State has drawn mixed reactions among concerned Nigerians, opinion leaders and advocacy groups human rights.

DAILY POST recalls that on Monday men from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Delta State Command, announced the arrest of over 100 men suspected of being gay.

According to Delta Police spokesperson DSP Bright Edafe, the arrest took place after being informed of the wedding ceremony and raiding the hotel where the event was taking place.

During the parade, some of the alleged gay men whose names have not been given and who all appear to be in their 20s and 30s denied being gay.

Three of the suspects, while answering reporters' questions, claimed they were models and fashion designers attending an All-White and Award party.

One of the suspects, dressed as a woman, said he was a model, while another said he was an ambassador and had been invited to the event as a guest. The third suspect identified himself as a fashion designer who was showing off his outfit at the event.

“I am a model, I came for an event in Warri here for a fashion show and while I was going to an event and wanted to perform on stage for the modeling event, going to the Event, some of the policemen attacked me and took me to the police station. I dressed as a woman because I was a model and I wanted to perform on stage. I did not dress there because the room was occupied and I had to stay in another hotel near the hotel.

“I don't know if cross-dressing is a crime or if it's against the country's constitution. I'm not gay, the event was an all-white party," one of the suspects said.

It is unclear what the charges against these men are, but homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria, which carries a 14-year prison sentence if convicted.

And while some members of the public applaud the arrest, others condemn it as a violation of human rights.

The parade video, which has gone viral on social media, has sparked polarized outrage and mixed reactions.

Supporters of the arrest say homosexuality conflicts with Nigerian cultural and traditional beliefs. They say both men should be penalized for their alleged conduct and that the government is just enforcing the legal system.

They argue that police action against suspected gay men was necessary not only to uphold societal norms and values, but also to stem the growing crime wave among today's young people today.

Supporters who spoke to the DAILY POST said it should serve as a deterrent and a strong societal stance statement against immoral behavior in the country.

For Onyeka Ani, a psychologist, who applauded the arrest of the alleged gay men, he urged parents to be vigilant in protecting their boy.

He said the suspects needed mental treatment and redirection.

“Gayism seems to be the latest current trend in our society. The gay marriage, which was allegedly disrupted by police in Delta State, has raised many questions. Because I wonder who their incumbent ministers are. Does that mean they have their churches, with pastors?

“Insofar as I know that these people are not Nigeria’s economic problem, I think they are a societal threat. They should be stopped.

"How can a man say he now wants to be a woman and start wearing makeup and dressing in women's clothes?" It is disturbing for the psyche; people like that need psychological help.

“Our society must realize that the days are over when mothers were required to be more careful in bringing up their daughters so that they would not be spoiled or victimized by the vices of the streets. With what is happening around us right now, we need to give the same attention to our male children.

"I remember when mothers gave their male children a free hand to go out and mingle with their friends, because men don't get pregnant, but girls will be asked to stay home. so as not to have a pregnancy. mistakes and bring unwanted pregnancies to their families.

“Nowadays, the reverse seems to be the case, as young boys are recruited and groomed to be gay by their friends. You see a group of boys and think they're best friends, but you'll never know they have deeply negative behaviors and activities.

“Some of these homosexuals are on social media to promote gayism under the guise of sketches and content creation. So let's give our male children equal training at home and proper upbringing rooted in high moral standards,” Ani added.

Furthermore, Clarence Adebowale, a journalist, called this development “troubling”, adding that it requires immediate spiritual assistance.

He said, “The arrest of 100 suspected gay men in Delta is a very disgusting and disturbing development. I don't think it's about p...