The police in the northern Nigerian state of Bauchi have launched a manhunt for 168 purportedly gay men, according to a report this morning in The Guardian of London.

The report quoted Dorothy Aken’Ova, executive director of Nigeria’s International Centre for Reproductive Health and Sexual Rights, as saying that 38 suspected gays have already been arrested as police begin to enforce the country’s new laws that criminalise same-sex relationships.

“Police in Bauchi state, she claimed, had a list of 168 purportedly gay men, of whom 38 had been arrested,” the paper said of Aken’Ova.

The Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act signed last week by President, Goodluck Jonathan provides penalties of up to 14 years in jail for a gay marriage and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for membership or encouragement of gay clubs, societies and organisations.

The law has been criticised by the West by Nigeria is insisted on implementing it. Presidential spokesman Reuben Abati said: “This is a law that is in line with the people’s cultural and religious inclination. So it is a law that is a reflection of the beliefs and orientation of Nigerian people … Nigerians are pleased with it.”

•Photo shows Police IG Mohammed Abubakar.