11 Muslims Accused Of Homosexuality In Nigeria

The men are being accused of violating teachings of the Islamic religion.

The 12th person who was arrested will be tried under the secular law because he is a christian.

Under Islamic law, a person can be sentenced to death by stoning if convicted of homosexuality.

According to secular laws in Nigeria, it is also illegal to be gay

Earlier this month, President Goodluck Jonathan signed a parliamentary bill which tightens laws against homosexuals, banning same-sex marriages, gay groups and shows of same-sex public affection.

Most states in the predominantly Muslim north of Nigeria have adopted Islamic law, known as Sharia, since the end of military rule in 1999.

Jibrin Danlami Hassan, the commissioner of Bauchi state's Sharia Commission, said the alleged homosexuals were arrested by residents of Bauchi city.

They were handed to the Islamic police force, which interrogated them, he said.

"They accept that they are doing that dirty game," Hassan said.

The Muslims could be sentenced to death by stoning if they are convicted, but the court would decide, Hassan said.

The UK, US and UN human rights chief Navi Pillay have condemned Nigeria's Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act as discriminatory and draconian.

By Beth Nyaga

Source: BBC News