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NIGERIAN ACTOR JAILED FOR GAY SEX
Fri, 21 September 2012
The 28-year-old, Bestwood Chukwyemeke, who is not well know but has reportedly appeared in Nollywood films, was found guilty of having sexual intercourse with another man through the anus.
Chukwyemeke at first denied the charge and claimed that he was drunk after a night out and started "romancing" the complainant in bed, thinking he was his girlfriend.
The complainant was a friend's brother who contacted the police after the incident at a private home in August.
Chukwyemeke later changed his plea to guilty. “I am guilty of the charge against me. I was under the influence of alcohol and I want the court to temper justice with mercy", he said.
Senior Magistrate Nafisatu Buba sentenced the actor to three-months' imprisonment without an option of a fine.
“This would serve as warning to other youths who hide under the influence of alcohol to commit crimes," she said.
Consensual same-sex conduct between adults is a criminal offence carrying up to 14 years imprisonment in Nigeria. In some parts of the country the death penalty may be applied under Sharia law.
Last year, Nigeria's senate passed the Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Bill which stipulates three years' imprisonment for a person who enters into a same-sex marriage, and five years jail, plus fines, for anyone who "witnesses, abets and aids" a same-sex marriage.
The bill must still be passed by the house of representatives, and then signed by the president before it becomes law.
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