ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has distanced itself from a controversial directive by the state police command to arrest or fine citizens over so-called “indecent dressing,” describing the move as lacking legal basis and cautioning against abuse of fundamental human rights.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Isharo Odafe, the government clarified that the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2020, does not authorise law enforcement officers to arrest or penalise individuals solely based on their appearance or clothing. The clarification came amid public outrage and legal scrutiny following a police notice that warned residents of imminent enforcement action against what it termed “indecent dressing.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, the VAAP Law does not empower any security operative to arrest, harass, or punish citizens on the basis of how they are dressed,” the statement read. “Only acts that constitute indecent exposure as clearly defined under Section 29 of the law are subject to prosecution—and even at that, only through due judicial process.”
The Ministry expressed deep concern over what it described as a “misguided and vague interpretation” of the law, warning that such enforcement could open the door to human rights violations, particularly of young people and women.
The government’s response follows backlash from civil society groups, legal practitioners, and human rights organisations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Warri Branch, which strongly condemned the police’s position. The NBA noted that there is no legal provision in the VAAP Law that supports the imposition of fines or community service for clothing choices, branding the police action as unlawful and a gross misrepresentation of the law.
Reacting to the police notice, NBA Warri’s Human Rights Committee Chairman, John-Larry Ojukoko, stated: “Indecent exposure, as referenced by law, strictly means the deliberate display of private parts, not fashion or appearance. The police cannot play judge and jury by imposing fines without a court order.”
The Delta State Government reiterated its commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of all citizens and urged law enforcement agencies to operate strictly within the bounds of the law.
“All enforcement must respect the rule of law and the principle of due process. Any breach will not be tolerated,” the Ministry warned, adding that members of the public who experience unlawful arrests or harassment should immediately report such cases to the Office of the Public Defender under the Ministry of Justice.
Meanwhile, calls for accountability continue to mount, with human rights advocates warning against turning law enforcement into an instrument of moral policing. The police command has since restricted public engagement on its social media platforms, following heavy criticism of the indecent dressing directive.
Legal experts and civil society groups are now calling on the Inspector General of Police to intervene and ensure that officers across the country receive proper legal guidance to prevent future overreach.
As the debate continues, the Delta State Government has assured the public that it remains resolute in protecting personal freedoms and ensuring that all laws are interpreted and enforced with fairness, clarity, and respect for human dignity.
