- For years on end, Nigerians, especially those residing in the southern part of the country, have lamented constant profiling, harassment and extortion in the hands of police officers due to their outfits, facial and physical appearances.
- The Delta State Police Command made the clarification on Tuesday
Citizens’ mode of dressing and looks do not constitute an offence in Nigeria, the police have clarified.
For years on end, Nigerians, especially those residing in the southern part of the country, have lamented constant profiling, harassment and extortion in the hands of police officers due to their outfits, facial and physical appearances.
However, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, asserted that dreadlocks, wearing of bum shorts, and women moving without a bra are not offences.
He made the assertion in a video clip posted on his official X handle on Tuesday.
The development followed complaints by some residents who alleged that they were being harassed by police officers and other security operatives in the State over their appearances.
However, according to the PPRO, no resident should be harassed or arrested due to his or her appearance.
He urged residents to resist such arrest and contact him via phone or demand to be taken to the police station.
He said, “I have been receiving complaints that members of the public in Delta State are being harassed by, sometimes, vigilantes, ant-cult, hunters association and some police officers.
“I want to make it very clear that on the issue of dress code, improper dressing, boys wearing dreadlocks, girls wearing bum shorts, and those moving without bra is not an offence.
“That circular was debunked by the state government, hence, no security personnel can harass or arrest you for that.
“If they insist that it is an offence, you should also insist that you want the matter to go to the police station.”
The command’s spokesperson also clarified that the use of factory-fitted tint on vehicles is allowed.
“On the issue of tinted vehicles, factory-fitted tinted vehicles are allowed. Only artificially tinted vehicles are not permitted”, he added.