Eight Arrested In Jigawa Over Alleged Same-Sex Acts After 22-Year-Old’s Complaint

No fewer than eight people have been arrested by the Jigawa State Hisbah Board following a complaint by a 22-year-old man over alleged same-sex acts in Kazaure Local Government Area of the state.

The arrests followed a complaint lodged by the resident in the Kanti area of Kazaure town, according to the Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Hisbah Board, Dauda Hadejia.

Hadejia, in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday in Dutse, said the complainant alleged that nine individuals had engaged in same-sex acts with him on different occasions.

The complainant reportedly told the Hisbah authorities that he later contracted HIV, which he attributed to the alleged encounters, and appealed for justice over what he described as actions that had negatively affected his life.

Following the complaint, Hadejia said Hisbah operatives commenced an investigation and launched a search for the nine individuals named by the complainant.

“Our men swung into action after receiving the complaint and so far eight suspects have been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspect,” he said.

The Hisbah spokesperson added that the eight arrested suspects reportedly admitted during preliminary investigations to having engaged in the alleged acts with the complainant.

He said the board had gathered relevant information and evidence and would present them before the court.

Hadejia said the Deputy Commander-General of the Jigawa State Hisbah Board, Dr Hussain Baban, urged parents to pay closer attention to their children’s upbringing and monitor the people with whom they associate.

The Hisbah board also appealed to members of the public to remain mindful of the consequences of their actions and conduct themselves responsibly.

According to Hadejia, investigations into the case are ongoing, while the suspects are expected to be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.