The Jigawa State Hisbah Corps has arrested eight men over allegations of engaging in same-sex sexual acts with a 22-year-old resident of Kazaure Local Government Area.
The Deputy Commander-General of the Jigawa State Hisbah Corps, Dr Hussain Yusuf Baban, confirmed the incident.
He said the arrests followed a complaint lodged by the young man, a resident of the Kanti area of Kazaure town, who alleged that nine individuals had repeatedly engaged in sexual acts with him on different occasions.
The complainant also told the Hisbah authorities that he later tested positive for HIV, which he associated with the alleged encounters, and appealed for an investigation and justice.
Following the complaint, the Hisbah Corps launched an investigation and commenced efforts to locate the nine individuals named by the complainant.
Eight of the suspects have so far been arrested, while operatives are still searching for the ninth suspect.
The corps said preliminary investigations showed that the arrested suspects made statements in which they allegedly admitted to engaging in sexual acts with the complainant.
According to the Hisbah authorities, relevant information and evidence gathered during the investigation have been compiled and will be presented before a court.
The Deputy Commander-General urged parents to pay greater attention to the upbringing of their children and monitor the people with whom they associate.
Baban also called on members of the public to fear God and remain conscious of the consequences of their actions.
He commended the Jigawa State Government for its continued support and cooperation with the Hisbah Corps in carrying out its responsibilities.