2 Nigerian pastors could face years in prison for gay sex

Colin Stewart is a 45-year journalism veteran. He is the…

Two Nigerian pastors were arrested last week on charges of homosexual activity.

The pastors, Prince Ejimole, 26, and Lawrence Udo, 25, were arrested after they were allegedly found having sex in a hotel room in Ijeshatedo near the city of Lagos in Nigeria, P.M. NEWS Nigeria reported.

Laws that apply in the southern area of Nigeria provide for a 14-year prison sentence for homosexual acts involving either men or women. The pastors’ arrest brings to 16 the total number of people on this blog’s list of people awaiting trial for homosexuality-related offenses, in addition to 11 people already in prison.

A member of their congregation, Chidiebere Mozie, said he had accompanied them to the hotel for a prayer session, but discovered that sex was expected instead.

The two men were charged with having “carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature” and conspiracy to commit a felony.

The first count reads: “That you, Prince Ejimole and Lawrence Udo on the same date, time and place did have carnal knowledge of each other against the order of nature.”

The second count reads: “That you, Pastor Prince Ejimole on the same date, place and time did gross indecency by sucking Chidiebere Mozie’s breast, attempting to suck his penis and having carnal knowledge of him.”

According to P.M. News, “He raised the alarm that attracted the hotel management who had allegedly been suspicious of their activities. The management contacted the police at Ijeshatedo division who arrested them and took them to the station.”

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The men pleaded not guilty and were released on bail by the presiding magistrate, Mrs A. O. Awogboro. They were scheduled to appear at a hearing Jan. 7.

No account of that hearing has yet been received.

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