Forty-seven men accused of practicing same-sex relationships have pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Justice Rilwan Aikawa also granted them bail of five hundred thousand naira and one surety each.
Kemi Fola-Adeyemo who covered the proceedings at the Federal High Court, Lagos, reports that fifty-seven men were initially charged, but in the amended charge, 47 of them are now standing trial because the others are at large.
They were all arrested in a police raid at a hotel in Egbeda area of Lagos in the early hours of August 26 last year. The accused said they had only gone for a birthday party, but the Police doesn’t think so.
The defendants, aged between 20 and 38, pleaded not guilty to one count of public show of same sex amorous relationship in hidden places within the hotel. Their lawyers say the police released the females initially arrested with the accused.
Justice Aikawa granted bail of 500,000 and a surety each, who must be a public servant from grade level 10 or a Lagos resident with a proven reasonable means of income. If they don’t meet the bail conditions by Friday, they will be moved from police custody to the correctional centre.
The defence team headed by Israel Usman said his clients cannot meet the terms and will apply for a variation.
The prosecution denies claims that the defendants had initially stood trial at a lagos magistrate court for alleged cultism, and insists on pressing on with this charge against the advice of the Lagos ministry of justice. Hearing continues on December 11 and 12.
Related posts:
Updated: Court grants Maina N500 Million bail
Alleged Assault: Court grants N250,000 bail to Yemi Ayeni
Court Grants Emefiele Bail, Directs Service of DSS Bail Papers
Police Parade 23 Suspected Rapists, Homosexuals in Adamawa
Court admits Ali Bello, 3 others to bail in the sum of N500 million each
Alleged fraud: Court grants ex-OAU VC, bursar bail
Ondo court grants four suspects bail for alleged involvement in missing baby
Alleged Money Laundering: Court grants Atiku’s son-in-law N20m bail
