The Incident

In the Nigerian state of Bauchi, in July 2022, where Sharia Law is enforced alongside civil law, three men — Abdullahi Abubakar Beti, 30; Kamilu Ya’u, 20; and Malam Haruna, 70 — were arrested for homosexuality. Pleading guilty, they were sentenced to death by stoning. They were without legal representation during the trial. The confessions were alleged to have been made under duress, with Kamilu Ya’u’s father asserting that they were obtained through beatings. Following the widely reported horror of their sentences, news on the fate of the three men ceased.

The Story

The three were given 30 days to appeal their death sentences: whether they did or not, is not known as there is no further information available. The Hisbah religious police of the Nigerian state of Bauchi, under the leadership of Adam Dan Kafi, played a crucial role in the enforcement of Sharia Law, leading to the severe sentencing of the victims.

Legal Outcome

While the most recent information seems to indicate that the executions were stayed because of an appeal, there is a lack of updates on the appeal’s progress or the fate of the three men. Reports suggest that, as of now, there have been no executions for homosexuality in Nigeria, but specific details regarding this particular case are unclear.

Relevant Laws

Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act, combined with the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013, effectively criminalizes homosexuality and LGBTQ+ activism. The northern states, including Bauchi, have adopted Sharia Law, imposing the death penalty for homosexuality. Despite the Nigerian Constitution advocating for equal rights for all citizens, it lacks specific provisions protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.