Senegalese online outlet Seneweb reports that television presenter Pape Cheikh Diallo has been arrested by the Keur Massar Gendarmerie Company’s Research Brigade as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

Diallo, a presenter with TFM, was taken into custody on Friday. According to Seneweb, he is alleged to be linked to a wider network accused of engaging in same-sex relationships, which remain criminalised under Senegalese law.

Under Article 319 of the Penal Code, consensual same-sex acts are classified as “unnatural acts” and can carry prison sentences and fines.

Seneweb reports that Diallo was identified during the interrogation of another suspect already in custody.

The outlet claims that during questioning, investigators accused him of involvement in prohibited same-sex relations. No official charge sheet has yet been made public, and the allegations have not been independently verified.

In total, the Keur Massar Research Brigade has reportedly arrested 12 individuals in connection with the same investigation.

The suspects are being held on allegations including criminal conspiracy and other offences under Senegalese law.

The case has been referred to Prosecutor Saliou Dicko of the Pikine–Guédiawaye jurisdiction, according to the report. Investigations are ongoing.

Seneweb also reports that artist and singer Djiby Dramé has been arrested as part of the same inquiry and has been in police custody since Friday.

The operation is being led by the Dakar Gendarmerie Legion under the command of Malick Faye, which has reiterated its commitment to enforcing criminal law and combating urban crime.

Authorities have not issued an official public statement on the case. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty.