25 Nabbed as Police Foil Same-Sex Wedding in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has arrested 25 people over an alleged same-sex marriage ceremony in the State, describing the act as a flagrant violation of Nigeria’s anti-gay laws.

Police spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Sunday, saying officers stormed a residence in the Kumbotso Local Government Area after receiving intelligence that a same-sex wedding was underway.

According to him, the Police acted swiftly, apprehending the two men said to be tying the knot—identified as Aminu (the groom) and Adam (the bride)—alongside friends and organizers who attended the event.

“Our operatives received credible information about the gathering and moved to the venue, arresting 25 individuals connected to the illegal union,” Kiyawa said.

He added that investigations were ongoing and that all suspects would be charged to court once the inquiry was concluded.

The development has reignited conversations about Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (2014), which criminalizes same-sex unions and relationships with penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment.

In Kano—where Sharia law operates alongside the Federal System—offenders face even tougher punishments, reflecting the conservative stance of the state toward LGBTQ+ activities.

Human rights observers have continued to raise concerns about the criminalization of same-sex relationships, urging authorities to respect individual rights while upholding the law.