The Hisbah Board in Jigawa State has arrested eight individuals on allegations of engaging in homosexual acts, following a complaint from a man who says he contracted HIV. The arrests were made after the complainant reported the alleged activities to the board, prompting a swift response from the religious enforcement agency.
The man filed a formal complaint claiming that he had contracted HIV through a sexual encounter that he alleges involved one of the eight arrested persons. He said the incident prompted him to seek action against those he believes were responsible.
According to the board, the eight detainees were taken into custody for further investigation. No additional details about the identities of the accused or the circumstances of the alleged acts have been released at this time.
The Hisbah Board is a religious police body that enforces Islamic law in parts of northern Nigeria, including Jigawa State. Its activities often focus on upholding moral and social norms in accordance with Sharia law.
Homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria under both federal and state laws, and the state’s enforcement of these laws has been a subject of international scrutiny. The recent arrests underscore the continued enforcement of these statutes in the region.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>