Delta Government Warns Police Against Arresting Citizens for "Indecent Dressing

The Delta State government has warned the State police command against arresting any citizen who dressed "indecently", distancing itself from the controversial directive by the police to arrest or fine citizens over so-called “indecent dressing." The police directive had sparked off a protest on social media, with citizens, civil society groups, and legal practitioners condemning the directive as unlawful and a gross misrepresentation of the law.



The Delta State police command had announced a crackdown on indecent dressing under the Delta State Violence Against All Persons (VAAP) Law 2015, warning citizens that any form of "Indecent Dressing" is prohibited in the State and offenders would be arrested, penalized, and made to pay a fine of N50,000 or engaged in a community service. However, the directive was met with widespread criticism, with many arguing that it was an attempt to impose a moral code on citizens.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Warri Branch strongly condemned the police's position, noting that there is no legal provision in the VAAP Law that supports the imposition of fines or community service for clothing choices. The NBA described the police action as unlawful and a gross misrepresentation of the law, emphasizing that indecent exposure, as referenced by law, strictly means the deliberate display of private parts, not fashion or appearance.

The Delta State government has clarified that the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law does not authorize law enforcement officers to arrest or penalize individuals solely based on their appearance or clothing. The government emphasized that only acts that constitute indecent exposure, as clearly defined under Section 29 of the law, are subject to prosecution, and even then, only through due judicial process.

Following public outrage and legal scrutiny, the Delta State police command has warned officers against any form of arrest of offenders of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, particularly as it concerns cases of indecent dressing. The Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Ab, has directed officers to operate strictly within the bounds of the law, respecting the constitutional rights of all citizens.

The Delta State Government has reiterated its commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of all citizens, emphasizing that all enforcement must respect the rule of law and the principle of due process. The 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.


Share Your Thoughts


What do you think about the Delta State government's decision to warn the police against arresting citizens for "indecent dressing"? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Do you think the police directive was an overreach of their authority, or was it a necessary measure to promote public decency? How do you think the government can balance the need to uphold the law with the need to protect citizens' rights and freedoms?

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