The Delta State Government through the Ministry of Justice has issued a public clarification in response to a controversial notice circulated by a law enforcement agency warning against “indecent dressing” in the state.
In a statement released by the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Isharo Odafe, the government emphasized that while the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2020 criminalizes certain forms of indecent exposure, the law does not empower security operatives to arrest, harass, or punish individuals based solely on their clothing or appearance.
“The interpretation and application of the law rests exclusively with a court of law,” the statement read. “No security operative has the power to impose punishment without due process.”
The Ministry expressed concern over the use of the term “indecent dressing”, which it said is not defined in the VAAP Law and may open the door to human rights violations and abuse of authority.
According to the Ministry, only acts explicitly outlined under Section 29 of the law such as indecent exposure of private parts are legally punishable, and only through judicial proceedings.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no provision of the VAAP Law authorises law enforcement agents to harass, arrest, or punish citizens based on their dress or appearance,” the Ministry reiterated.
The Ministry called on all security agencies in the state to exercise restraint and uphold the constitutional rights of citizens, noting that any enforcement actions must be grounded in legal procedures and presented before a competent court.
Citizens who experience or witness unlawful harassment were advised to report such incidents to the Office of the Public Defender in the Ministry of Justice.
The Ministry’s response comes amid growing public concern and online debate over perceived attempts to police personal attire under vague legal interpretations.
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