The Nigerian Police Force has stated that it lacks the legal basis to detain individuals for crossdressing, including the well-known figure Bobrisky, unless they are implicated in criminal activities.
Bobrisky, born Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, has been a subject of media attention due to various controversies and claims to be Nigeria’s first transgender individual.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, explained in an interview that crossdressing in itself is not a criminal offense under Nigerian law, and as such, does not warrant an arrest.
“There are some cases that are always very difficult to prove. Fine, I am not really denying the fact that we have many of them. But, for instance, if you want to prove a case of rape, rape has points to prove,” Adejobi said.
“If anyone of those points is missing you may lose your case in court. Let us be reasonable. You cannot arrest somebody, you want to prosecute without having such credible evidence against such a person.”
When asked if crossdressing is an offence in Nigeria, he replied: “I do not think so. I have not read anywhere that it is an offence per se. But for some of them that are into cross-dressing, the allegation is that they are into something else, unnatural offences.
“That is where the problem lies. We need to have enough proof, credible evidence to prove that they are actually into that. All those offences are natural offences in Nigeria and are punishable under our law,” he added.
“If you dress, fine, you want to enjoy your liberty. But if you are into something else that is criminal, unnatural offences. Many people have been saying that, but let us have enough evidence to nail the individual who is into that dirty thing, law will take its course.”
In 2022, the Nigerian House of Representatives contemplated a bill to outlaw crossdressing, with exceptions for theatrical performances and public entertainment. If enacted, the bill could impose a six-month imprisonment for crossdressers.
Bobrisky has previously shared that crossdressing was a means of livelihood and has spoken about the benefits experienced since adopting a female persona.
