Police in Asaba, Nigeria, have arrested 21 students who have been allegedly engaging in gay sex acts for money.

According to reports from Nigerian tabloid The Punch, 21 male students were arrested in a state-run school dubbed “a beehive of perverse sexual acts”. It reports that the “cult members” arrested were engaging in anal sex for “financial gain”.

Spokesperson for the local police force confirmed that they were acting on a tip. “We had it on good authority that the male students allegedly engaged in anal sex.

“The suspects, upon interrogation, made useful statements to the police while investigations are ongoing.”

Human rights watchdog 76 Crimes commented that it is likely that the report could be embellished or fabrication entirely.

“Nigerian newspapers often report on alleged arrests of LGBTI people, but almost never report on any subsequent steps in the legal process, such as trials, acquittal and release, or conviction and sentencing,” read a statement.

“On investigation, some such reports have turned out to be total fabrications. The Punch article also reiterated two myths about homosexuality that are common in Nigeria and elsewhere — that people adopt a homosexual  orientation for financial gain and that homosexuality is a result of cult activity.”

Nigeria has harsh anti-gay laws, with those convicted facing up to 14 years in prison.