Dozens arrrested in Northern Nigeria as anti-gay law comes into force

According to this report, they have started arresting people suspected to be gays in the Northern part of the country. Here's an article I found on UK Guardian. Read below

Dozens of gay men are reported to have been arrested across northern Nigeria as police begin to enforce punitive new laws that criminalize same-sex marriages and membership of gay rights organizations.

Dorothy Aken'Ova, executive director of the country's International Centre for Reproductive Health and Sexual Rights, said that the legislation, hailed the "Jail the Gays" law, had led to mass arrests. Police in Bauchi state, she claimed, had a list of 168 purportedly gay men, of whom 38 had been arrested.

The laws, she cautioned, will endanger medical programmes combating HIV-Aids in the gay community. Nigeria has the second-largest HIV epidemic globally with an estimated 3.4 million people living with HIV.

Responding to the spread of anti-gay legislation,Kerry said: "The United States is deeply concerned by Nigeria's enactment of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act. Beyond even prohibiting same-sex marriage, this law dangerously restricts freedom of assembly, association and expression for all Nigerians.

"[The law] is inconsistent with Nigeria's international legal obligations and undermines the democratic reforms and human rights protections enshrined in its 1999 constitution," he added.
"People everywhere deserve to live in freedom and equality. No one should face violence or discrimination for who they are or who they love."

The London-based Human Dignity Trust, which supports legal actions around the world aimed at overturning anti-gay legislation, criticised both the Nigerian and Ugandan acts.
Jonathan Cooper, the trust's chief executive, has described the Ugandan legislation as "a bleak day for human rights. The bill undermines Uganda's human rights protection, breaches its international treaty obligations and violates Uganda's own constitution".

One of the men whose legal challenges the trust supported, Roger Jean-Claude Mbede, 34, died this week after being removed from hospital by his family. He had been jailed in Cameroon for sending a text message to another man saying: "I'm very much in love with you".

Mbede, whose case was highlighted by the Guardian in 2012, was subsequently declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International.

His lawyer, Alice Nkom, said: "[Mbede's] family said he was a curse for them and that we should let him die."

Anti-gay law: Femi Fani Kayode also speaks...

I'm sure y'all are tired of all these gay and anti-gay talk today...lol. But let's hash it out...

"I battled insolence, leaching, sabotage from people last year' - Uti Nwachukwu

In a recent interview with Encomium magazine, the BBA winner and TV personality talked about his bitter experience in the hands of people he trusted that almost led him into clinical depression...
"I learnt a lot about loyalty and genuineness. I was really hurt last year year and a lot of true colors were revealed. I battled insolence, pride, treason, ingratitude, leaching, sabotage, and wickedness from people I least expected it from. I guess you have to be careful what you pray for, because I prayed for God to open up the hearts of people I care about. Let's just say if I wasn't spiritually strong with divine premonitions, I would have gone into clinical depression. But I guess I saw signs before but ignored them. God warns me in dreams but I guess I overlook these dreams. The hardest part was that I was and had been used by the most unassuming people and after confronting the issues, the parties act like they don't need you anymore but continuously gain from your platform. In all I learned so much about the human heart and also about myself and my errors. I am stronger (mentally and spiritually) wiser, more comfortable with my skin, more tolerant, gentle and definitely a lot more closer to G

Banky W, Waje, Omawumi, others celebrate birthday with Cobhams

Iconic music producer and musician Cobhmas Asuquo turned 33 on January 6th and celebrated his birthday on the 12th of January with an intimate dinner in the company of his wife Ojuola Asuquo and some of his close friends. The event took place at the swanky Primi Piatti restaurant in Lekki and had in attendance some of the biggest names in entertainment including Banky W, Waje, Omawumi, Timi Dakolo, Tosin Martins, Toolz, Oscar Oyinsan, Tosyn Bucknor, Buki Izeogu, Schulzz, Wana Udobang, Dotun and others. Continue to see more photos...

 

Ruggedman speaks against recently signed anti-gay law

Rapper and businessman Ruggedman is one of the many celebrities against the recently passed ant-gay law. He took to twitter to voice his opinion. See more tweets after the cut...

Check out actress Gabourey Sidibe's classic reply to weight critics

The Oscar nominated plus size actress stood up to weight critics in the best possible way. She took to twitter to write what you see above after people slammed her red carpet look at the Golden Globes on Sunday night. Instead of feeling bad, the Precious star had the perfect answer for the mean-spirited tweets directed her way after the awards. Way to go Gabby! See some of the tweets after the cut...

Tosin Bucknor's anger over Nigerian government gay bill ascent

The TV/Radio personality took to Facebook today to register her displeasure on the purported signing into law of the Gay Bill that seeks to sentence any gay person to 14years in prison by the president.

Femi Kuti not attending the Grammys

Afrobeat King, Femi Kuti says he will not be attending the Grammys this year. His elder sister Yeni Kuti will be representing him at the awards which will hold on Sunday January 26th at The Staple Centre in Los Angeles.

Femi Kuti's album, No Place For My Dream was nominated in the Best World Music Album category at the Grammys this year, making it his 4th Grammy nomination. Hopefully, he will win it this year.

Kanye West allegedly assaults man who called Kim K a 'N***r Lover'

An 18 year old (pictured above covering his face) is reportedly pressing charges against Kanye West after the rapper allegedly punched him for calling his fiancee Kim Kardashian a N***r lover.

TMZ reports

Kanye West just attacked an 18-year-old guy inside the waiting room of a chiropractor's office ... after the guy allegedly called Kanye the N-word ... TMZ has learned.Kim was at a Beverly Hills medical building when she was swarmed by photogs.  We're told the guy allegedly tried to help Kim get in the building, as he started screaming,  "F**k these fa**ot-ass n****rs"" -- referring to the paparazzi.  Kim then told him it was not appropriate to use the N-word.  We're told he then screamed at her, "F**k you bitch.  Just trying to help you.  Shut up n****r lover, stupid slut."Apparently that got Kim hot as fish grease ... she watched the guy walk into an office.  As they were walking we're told the guy continued berating Kim. She dialed Kanye on his cell, and when the guy realized Kanye was on the phone he allegedly said, "F**k you N****r."   Kanye -- who had just arrived at the building -- then met up with Kim.Sources say Kanye and Kim rushed into the waiting room of chiropractor Richard Hill and found the 18-year-old sitting there.

 Witnesses say Kanye punched the guy and Kim screamed, "We have it all on tape." Sources say the massage therapist in the office separated the 2 men.  Beverly Hills cops were called and the 18-year-old said he wanted to press charges. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Kanye is now officially a suspect in a battery investigation and they want to interview him. We're also told the matter will be referred to the L.A. County D.A. for possible prosecution.

Remember -- Kanye is currently facing assault charges involving a photog attack at LAX.