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12 Men, Suspected Of Being Gay, Arrested In Bauchi, Northern Nigeria

January 17, 2014

12 men suspected of being gay have been arrested, said Chairman of Bauchi State, Shariah Commission, Mustapha Baba Ilela.

12 men suspected of being gay have been arrested, said Chairman of Bauchi State, Shariah Commission, Mustapha Baba Ilela.

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Five of the men were arraigned in Bauchi Sharia Court Thursday, and four pleaded guilty, one not guilty. The arraignment was adjourned.

Ilela said the men had been arrested in different locations where they were said to be carrying out acts of sodomy. He denied allegations that suspects were ill-treated.

"We (did) not maltreat anyone. We are working with fear of God and provisions of Shariah and there is no way we can violates their rights."

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He also said the men were not under his supervision.

Previous reports said 38 men had been arrested.

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