A Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army has been arrested for allegedly molesting and engaging in homosexual acts with junior soldiers in Borno State. The suspect, identified as Lieutenant Abubakar, was apprehended last month in Bama, a town in Borno State.
According to military sources, the arrest was made after the Lieutenant was caught in the act. It is reported that several junior soldiers claimed that Abubakar had been involved in inappropriate sexual conduct with them for a prolonged period.
A source confirmed the incident, stating, “A serving officer was arrested last month for engaging in a forced homosexual act with his junior colleagues in Bama. He was arrested with clear evidence and is currently under investigation by the 7th Division military police.”
The arrest has sparked concern within the military community, with one Captain commenting on the growing prevalence of such acts, suggesting that both senior officers and junior soldiers have been involved in similar misconduct. The Captain also expressed frustration, alleging that instead of addressing the issue, military authorities were covering up these actions.
Homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria under the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013, which was signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan. In the northern states that have adopted Shari’a law, the punishment for same-sex sexual acts can be death by stoning. Borno State, where the Lieutenant was arrested, is one of the 12 states that implement Shari’a law. In the southern part of Nigeria, and under secular laws, same-sex sexual activity carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
The Nigerian Army has not yet issued a public statement regarding the ongoing investigation or the possible disciplinary actions for the accused officer.
