The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested 25 suspects for allegedly organising a same-sex marriage ceremony at an event center in Hotoro bypass, Tarauni Local Government.

The board’s deputy commander, Mujahedeen Aminudeen, in a statement on Saturday, said the suspects comprised 18 crossdressers, identified as ’yan daudu,’ and seven women who hail from different areas, including Sheka, Yar Gaya, and Kofar Nasarawa.

Mr Mujahedeen said the board, earlier in the day, got a report that one Abubakar Idris was allegedly planning to marry another young man, prompting Hisbah officials to storm the venue.

He stated that Hisbah officials arrived at the party under dim lights, discovering “a gathering of young men and women who appeared to be conducting a marriage ceremony.”

Mr Mujahedeen added that officers “successfully arrested 25 persons, 18 males and seven females,” who would be charged to court after completion of the investigation.

While insisting that the board will continue to raid such places that promote immorality, he urged residents to support the board by reporting immoral activities in the state.

He therefore appealed to parents and guardians to instill moral values in their children, warning that the board won’t allow undesirable elements to tarnish the state’s good image and reputation.