Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Umar Audu
Published on 2024-04-04 04:03:05
The Nigeria Police Force has recently addressed the issue of arresting cross-dressers in the country. In an interview on Channels TV, the Force’s spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified that there is no specific provision in Nigerian law that mandates the arrest of cross-dressers. This statement came in response to the growing concerns about the increasing presence of cross-dressers in Nigeria.
Adejobi emphasized that without credible evidence, it is not possible to arrest and prosecute individuals engaging in cross-dressing. He pointed out that while cross-dressing itself is not considered a crime in Nigeria, the problem arises when there are allegations of illegal activities associated with it. In such cases, the police would need concrete proof to establish a case before taking any legal action.
The controversy surrounding the recognition of cross-dressers was highlighted when a well-known cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, received the award for ‘Best Dressed Female’ at the ‘Ajakaju’ movie premiere. This decision sparked debates and discussions across various social media platforms, reflecting the societal divide on the acceptance of cross-dressing.
Adejobi reiterated that proving and prosecuting individuals for natural offences, including those possibly linked to cross-dressing, requires solid evidence that can withstand legal scrutiny in court. It is crucial for law enforcement to follow due process and ensure that they have substantial proof before taking any legal action against individuals engaging in such activities.
The spokesman’s remarks shed light on the complexities involved in addressing issues related to cross-dressing within the legal framework of Nigeria. While the act of cross-dressing itself may not be illegal, the association with other criminal activities necessitates a thorough investigation to gather sufficient evidence for prosecution.
As the debate around the rights and protections of individuals engaging in cross-dressing continues, the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the country’s legal system. Adejobi’s statements underscore the importance of evidence-based prosecution and the necessity of following proper legal procedures in addressing such sensitive issues.
In conclusion, the Nigeria Police Force’s stance on the arrest of cross-dressers highlights the complexities and nuances surrounding the legal status of cross-dressing in the country. While there is no explicit provision for arresting individuals solely based on their choice of dressing, the police emphasize the need for concrete evidence to establish connections to any illegal activities. This cautious approach underscores the importance of due process and the rule of law in handling sensitive legal matters.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
