Cross-dressing Nigerian sex worker ‘Amarachi’ released from jail

Amarachi a cross-dressing Nigerian sex worker has been released from jail with the support of human rights organizations in Nigeria.

By Mike Daemon

It can be recalled that Amarachi was arrested sometime last month by the Nigeria police in Asaba, Delta State after she raised an alarm fearing she was going to be gang-raped by two men.

Following her arrest, a police officer interrogated and videotaped her. A video that later went viral on the internet.

In the video, Amarachi admitted to being a sex worker since 2016. However, did not mention if the two men she met knew about her biologically assigned gender before paying for her services.

After Amarachi’s confessions, she was arrested and detained in jail for days and then later charged to court on a one-count charge of having carnal knowledge against the order of nature under the Nigerian Criminal Code Act.

To ensure that Amarachi is released, two human rights organizations swung in to provide legal and psychosocial support.

The two organizations Dynamic Initiative for Healthcare and Human Rights (DIHHR) and Levites Initiative for Freedom & Enlightenment (LIFFE) were represented by Samuel Uchenna and Mx. Emmanuella David-Ette. The two activists followed Amarachi to court and eventually helped her secure bail.

From left: Samuel Uchenna, Amarachi, Emmanuella Ette-David

Speaking about her involvement in the case, trans/intersex activist Emmanuella said the experience exposed advocacy gaps that need to be addressed.

“Working on this case made me further convinced why we should create room for Advocacy with stakeholders, by stakeholders, I mean judges, lawyers, policemen, etc.

I also could locate who are prospective allies were from things said but we’re hopeful”. She said.

Even though Amarachi has now been released, she is still expected to appear in court for further hearing on the case – If convicted, Amarachi risks a 14-year jail term.