The Nigerian Police Force has warned Nigerians against indulging in same-sex relationships and unnatural offenses.
The police, in a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Thursday, noted that same-sex relationships and unnatural sexual activities remain illegal in the country.
The warning from the police comes on the heels of a “recent trend on social media where some individuals who identify as queer were visibly encouraging and associating themselves with activities perceived to be unnatural in light of Nigerian laws.”
The Force noted that such activities negate the provisions of the Nigerian laws and carry severe punishment for culprits.
The police statement reads, “Following a recent trend on social media where some individuals who identify as queer were visibly encouraging and associating themselves with activities perceived to be unnatural in light of Nigerian laws, the Nigeria Police Force hereby wishes to enlighten the public on the legal aspects concerning unnatural offenses and same-sex marriage within the country.
“In accordance with the Nigerian Criminal Code Act applicable in the Southern States, unnatural offenses are prohibited under Sections 214 to 217.
“These sections specifically criminalize acts considered unnatural, such as having carnal knowledge of a person, permitting a person to have carnal knowledge of one against the order of nature, or having carnal knowledge of an animal, and those found guilty may face legal consequences as outlined by the law.
“This is re-echoed by Section 284 of the Nigerian Penal Code applicable in the northern part of the country.
“Similarly, it is imperative to note that same-sex marriage is strictly prohibited in Nigeria.
“The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014 criminalizes the solemnization, operation, and public display of same-sex marriages.
“We therefore emphasize the importance of understanding and adhering to these laws, as any violation will be met with due legal process.
“We remain dedicated to maintaining law and order and call on all citizens to report all suspicious activities related to unnatural offenses or same-sex marriage, providing crucial information that will aid our efforts to enforce the law.”
We need to collectively kick against such activities while we urge parents and guardians to take note and support the police in the fight against such inhuman activities that are alien to our culture and also punishable under the law.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
