Idris Ahmed Gama, a staff member of the Kano State Hisbah Board, has been arrested for his criticism of the arrest of members of a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) organization.
The arrest was confirmed by the Commander General of the Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, during a press briefing on Monday.
Sheikh Daurawa reiterated that the state government has banned any group or association promoting LGBTQ activities.
According to him, the Hisbah Board has intensified its crackdown on groups allegedly promoting LGBTQ rights under the guise of empowerment.
The Commander General stated that Kano State’s adherence to Sharia and Nigerian laws that prohibit same-sex marriage, and he urged the public, religious, traditional leaders, media, and all relevant stakeholders to join the fight against immorality in the state.
Gama, who defended his actions, explained that he attended a workshop organized by the Women Initiative for Sustainable Empowerment and Equality (WISE) on women’s empowerment.
He claimed he was invited, and after the program, he commented on the police arrest of LGBTQ members, describing it as a violation of human rights.
“I was personally invited , and after the program, I was interviewed on how the police arrested LGBTQ members, and I said it was a violation of human rights,” Gama said.
The state government has reportedly shut down WISE’s head office in Kano, and staff members are said to be in hiding.
The crackdown follows directives from the commissioner for information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, who stated that WISE’s activities breached the state’s moral standards and violated Sharia law.
The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013 makes it illegal for same-sex individuals to marry, enter into a civil union, or gain entitlement to any benefits of a valid marriage in Nigeria.
