Idris Ahmed Gama, an employee of the Kano Hisbah Board, has been detained after publicly stating that police arrests of LGBTQ individuals violate human rights.
The Commander-General of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, confirmed the detention during a press conference in Kano. Daurawa emphasized that the state government prohibits any group or association from promoting LGBTQ activities, which are considered illegal under Sharia and Nigerian laws.
The Hisbah Board has been actively cracking down on groups promoting LGBTQ rights under the guise of empowerment. Daurawa highlighted that Kano rejects any partnerships or relationships that contravene Sharia and Nigerian laws prohibiting same-sex marriage.
Idris Ahmed Gama’s detention followed the circulation of a video in which he endorsed a group accused of promoting LGBTQ activities. Gama explained that he attended a women’s empowerment session by invitation and was unaware of the full implications of the LGBTQ acronym during his interview.
Gama denied any affiliation with LGBTQ rights organizations, stating that he was invited by the Women Initiative for Sustainable Empowerment and Equality (WISE) to the session. He expressed regret for his comments and pledged not to associate with WISE again.
The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2013 criminalizes same-sex marriage, civil unions, and associated benefits in Nigeria.
Kano State Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, announced that the state governor has ordered a crackdown on any groups supporting LGBTQ activities, citing violations of state moral norms and Sharia law. The commissioner reiterated that Kano, predominantly Muslim, would not tolerate activities promoting homosexuality or lesbianism.
The state government has received numerous complaints from citizens regarding groups promoting LGBTQ activities. In response, the governor has directed the Hisbah to investigate and take appropriate legal action against such groups.
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