Breaking News: Delta State Police Arrest 67 Including Romanus Omozokpea Over Alleged Gay Wedding in Warri
Warri, Nigeria – August 29, 2023
The Delta State Police Command has arrested Jerry Osas, Femi Thomas, Chika Samson, Okorie Lawrence, Taiwo Oguntade, Timothy Osadebe, and 67 individuals, including Romanus Omozokpea, for allegedly participating in a same-sex wedding ceremony at a hotel in Warri.
During a press briefing on August 29, 2023, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Wale Abbas, confirmed the arrests, stating that law enforcement acted on intelligence reports about the alleged event. According to the police, the operation was carried out on August 27, 2023, leading to the mass detention of attendees.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Nigeria under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, which prescribes penalties of up to 14 years in prison for those found guilty of engaging in or supporting LGBTQ+ activities. The police have indicated that the arrested individuals will face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The development has sparked widespread reactions, with human rights organizations condemning the arrests as a violation of fundamental human rights and freedom of association. However, local authorities maintain that the operation was in line with Nigerian law and necessary to uphold societal values.
As legal proceedings are expected to follow, the fate of the detained individuals, including Romanus Omozokpea, remains uncertain.
