Delta: Parade of “gay suspects” violates due process, dignity, says rights group

The procession of suspects detained for reportedly performing a gay wedding ceremony in a hotel in Warri, Delta State, has been denounced by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Center.

The state police leadership showcased the 100 detainees they had apprehended on Monday night during a midnight raid.

However, according to a statement from the center’s executive director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, there are established legal procedures for the handling of criminal suspects.

While noting that the detained individuals had a right to be treated with decency, Nwanguma also pointed out that it is against the law, against the Constitution, and detrimental to a fair hearing and trial to parade suspects in front of the media.

According to the statement, “RULAAC notes with extreme concern the arrest by the Delta State Police Command of over 100 young people for allegedly performing a gay wedding ceremony in a hotel in Warri, Delta state, and their parade before the media today, August 29, 2023.

Despite the fact that we recognise that homosexual relationships are illegal in Nigeria, there are established legal processes for the handling of those who have been accused of crimes.

“Until they are found guilty following a fair trial in a court with sufficient jurisdiction, persons accused of committing any crime under the law are entitled to be believed innocent. They have the right to dignity as well.

The issue of suspects being paraded in front of the media being illegal, unconstitutional, and detrimental to a fair hearing and trial has been brought up again and time again. It breaches the right to human dignity and the presumption of innocent under the Constitution and is an illegal, ineffective means of law enforcement. In essence, the suspects are found guilty without a trial.

The Center also expressed amazement at the state command’s “quick and efficient” action in detaining and displaying LGBT suspects despite the fact that it had yet to respond to a petition that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had written to the Commissioner of Police, Wale Abass, three months prior.

RULAAC urged the police to refrain from violating the suspects’ rights in any other ways.

“They should charge them right away or release them on bail,” the statement continued.