Court remands 57 youths in prison over alleged homosexual activity

A Lagos Magistrate Court, Ebute-Meta, Yaba has ordered the remand in prison custody, 57 youths alleged to have engaged in homosexuality.

Chief Magistrate Kikelomo Ayeye ordered that the youths whose ages are between 20 and 33 be remanded in prison custody, pending the perfection of their bail application.

This followed arraignment by the men of State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (SCIID), Panti-Yaba.

They were arraigned on three counts charge, bordering on conspiracy, belonging to a secret cult, and unlawful gathering.

The prosecution counsel, Mr. Cyril Ajufor told the court that their offences are contrary to and punishable under sections 411,52(a) and 43(1) Cap, CH, C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Ajufor told the court that the defendants and others now at large, were arrested on August 26, 2018, at about 2 a.m., at Kelly Ann Event Centre, situated at 3-7, Aderele Street, Egbeda, Lagos.

He further told the court that the defendants were arrested after investigation revealed that they engaged in homosexual activities.

Following their plea of not guilty, Chief Magistrate Ayeye, admitted them to bail in the sum of N200, 000, with one surety each. She added that the surety must have a voter’s card, with three years tax payable to Lagos state government, and have his or her address verified by the prosecutor.

The magistrate therefore adjourned the matter till September 10, for mention.