Religious leaders in the Nigerian northern State of Bauchi have put 12 men on trial for engaging in an act of homosexuality.

Local reporters say the men face stoning to death if found guilty by the Islamic Court which is using the Sharia legal system in the trial. 9 out of the 36 Nigerian States practice the Sharia Law Legal System.

Under the Sharia law, a person can be sentenced to death by stoning if convicted of homosexuality but even under secular laws in Nigeria; it is illegal to have gay sex.

President Goodluck Jonathan earlier this month signed a parliamentary bill which tightens laws against homosexuals, banning same-sex marriages, gay groups and shows of same-sex public affection.

But various Human Rights groups in Nigeria have criticized this move by the President and described it as a negation of the rights of homosexuals to enjoy their fundamental human rights.

Amnesty International described the arrest as “witch hunting” for gay people on Wednesday and blamed the new law criminalizing gay organizations and meetings as well as same-sex marriage which was signed by President Jonathan.

“With the stroke of a pen, President (Goodluck) Jonathan has essentially turned Nigeria into one of the world’s least tolerant societies, Amnesty International is calling on the authorities to stop all further arrests and put an immediate end to this witch hunt’’, it said in a statement.

The European Union foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton also expressed opposition on Wednesday from the European Union, saying the act appears to contradict fundamental rights of all Nigerians, including freedom of association, conscience and speech.

Western countries including the UK and the United States have threatened to cut aid to African nations who refused to allow homosexuality in their laws.

But many African nations consider homosexuality as an evil act and have strong dissenting views on it.

They have therefore vowed never to let the act gain roots on the continent as they consider it as degradation of moral and spiritual values of the society and nature.

Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Africa News

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