A man identified as David Maduagu narrowly escaped death in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, yesterday after he was brutally attacked by a mob over allegations of homosexuality.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, February 10, 2015, drew widespread concern as Maduagu was reportedly beaten to a state of unconsciousness by angry residents who accused him of engaging in same-sex relationships.
Eyewitnesses said that after being violently assaulted, Maduagu was stripped and paraded naked in the streets before police officers arrived and rescued him from further harm. He was subsequently taken into custody by the Nigerian police.
According to sources, Maduagu was released after spending several hours in detention, pending further investigations into the allegations.
Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, enacted in 2014, criminalizes homosexual acts, same-sex marriage, and public displays of affection between same-sex partners. Violators face up to 14 years in prison.
Human rights advocates have raised concerns about the rise in arrests and mob violence targeting individuals suspected of being gay since the controversial law was passed. The legislation has also fueled discrimination, social exclusion, and in some cases, life-threatening attacks on perceived sexual minorities.
