The police on Wednesday arraigned 47 suspected homosexuals before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The defendants were arraigned before Justice Rilwan Aikawa on one count of “engaging in amorous gay relationship” contrary to Section 5(2) of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013.
The defendants include Segun Ode, 24; Afolabi David, 20; Azeez Tunde, 22; Adedokun Pelumi, 22; Smart Joel ; 25, Iyodun Ehiosun, 20; Rilwan Jamiu, 24; and Raphael Matthew ,38.
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Also listed as defendants were Chibuike Emmanuel, 23; Prince Collins, 23; Daniel Aya, 22; Alozie Innocent, 21; Kelvin Nwachukwu, 23; Okekoya Gbemi, 33; Odika Emmanuel, 25; Kojo Emmanuel, 27; Adewole Micheal, 27; Alabi Olamilekan, 21; Oluwaseun Odu, 26; and Oladipo Eniola, 24, among others.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecuting counsel for the police, Mr J.I. Ebhoremen, prayed the court to remand them in the prison custody.
But the defence counsel, Mr Israel Usman, said he filed applications for his clients’ bail and urged Justice Aikawa to admit them to bail.
However, the prosecutor opposed the bail applications.
But in a ruling, Justice Aikawa granted the bail applications.
He granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned till December 11 for commencement of trial.
