After tips from residents, the sharia police stormed a local in Kano, Nigeria's second largest city, where the alleged wedding was to take place, reports AFP with reference to local authorities.
Eighteen men and seven women, all in their 20s, were arrested, including the couple who were to get married, according to a police officer. An investigation is now to be conducted.
Islamic law, sharia, applies as law in twelve northern states in Nigeria and runs parallel to federal legislation. According to the local interpretation, homosexuality is punishable by death. Such a sentence has never been passed, although dozens of people have been arrested over the years at similar weddings.
The federal law on homosexuality is also very strict. Anyone who enters into a homosexual marriage can be sentenced to fourteen years in prison, and anyone who participates in a homosexual wedding ceremony risks ten years.
Guests at homosexual weddings are also often arrested in Nigeria, but it rarely leads to convictions.
