The Nigerian Police clarified that they cannot apprehend transvestites as crossdressing is not deemed illegal in Nigeria. ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Police Public Officer, conveyed this stance during a recent appearance on the Channels TV program, Politics Today. Adejobi acknowledged awareness of claims linking some crossdressers to homosexuality, which is a criminal offense, yet stressed the absence of adequate evidence to initiate legal proceedings.
Adejobi emphasized, “Certain cases pose significant challenges. While acknowledging the presence of numerous crossdressers, it’s crucial to note that proving a case, such as rape, necessitates meeting specific criteria. Any deficiency in meeting these criteria could result in the case being dismissed in court.”
He continued, “Let’s exercise rationality; apprehending individuals solely for prosecution without substantial evidence is unjustifiable. Crossdressing per se is not unlawful in Nigeria; there’s no provision that explicitly criminalizes it. However, allegations linking some crossdressers to other activities, deemed unnatural offenses, present a legal dilemma. To proceed with prosecution, sufficient, credible evidence is imperative, as these offenses are punishable under Nigerian law.”
Adejobi maintained that individuals have the freedom to dress as they please. Still, if evidence emerges linking them to other illegal activities, they will be subject to the full force of the law.