The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched an unprecedented investigation into the sexual orientation of the Swiss Ambassador to the West African nation, reports Daily Trust. Gay marriage is illegal in Nigeria, and in recent years the government has passed multiple, harsh laws banning homosexuality. Mobs and police have been known to attack men suspected of being gay.
Ambassador Eric Mayooraz fell under press suspicion after the Swiss Embassy became involved with the Association of Spouses of Heads of Mission and he was identified as having a male partner. While the Embassy did not comment on the Ambassador’s sexuality, it did release a statement explaining that he was not married.
Despite general norms of diplomatic respect and immunity, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria told newspapers that an investigation had been launched as “we would never have allowed such a person into the country. We have a law, which must be obeyed by all. If we find him culpable, he will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”