The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested more than 70 individuals on allegations of organizing a gay wedding in Gombe state.
Same-sex marriage is illegal in Nigeria under a law passed in 2014.
Personnel of the NSCDC, an official paramilitary outfit, on Saturday raided a relaxation spot in Gombe, the state capital, and rounded up suspects they accused of having a “gay party” and planned wedding of two male lovers, said NSCDC spokesman in Gombe, Buhari Saad.
“We apprehended 76 suspected homosexuals… while holding a birthday party organised by one of them who was to wed his male bride at the event,” Saad said.
The suspects included 59 men and 17 women, with 21 of the men “wilfully confessing being gay,” he said.
The would-be groom was arrested while the bride-to-be fled along with other guests, the official said.
“We will charge them to court to answer for their actions once investigation is concluded,” Saad said.
Homosexuality carries severe penalties in some parts of northern Nigeria, where Sharia law is enforced, although the death penalty has never been applied.
In 2014, Nigeria passed legislation outlawing same-sex marriages and the promotion of civil unions, with penalties of up to 14 years in jail for individuals confirmed to be in a gay union.
Security forces have conducted raids on suspected gay weddings across northern Nigeria in recent years, but few have resulted in convictions.
Last December, 19 men and women were arrested in Kano on charges of organizing a gay wedding but were released without being taken to court.