Nigeria, Nov. 5 -- A lack of space in court on Tuesday stalled the arraignment of 57 persons the Nigerian police accused of engaging in homosexual activities.

The planned arraignment before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Lagos could not continue as the courtroom was too small for all the defendants.

During proceedings, the defence counsel, Israel Usman, informed the court that 46 out of the 57 defendants were in court and ready for arraignment.

In response, Justice Aikawa said only 36 names were listed before him as defendants.

"I am going to record that most of the defendants are present in court because I only have 36 names before me," the judge said.

"We cannot have 57 persons in this court. We have to look for...