The Delta State Police Command has issued a viral and controversial public warning to young women, declaring that “indecent dressing” will no longer be tolerated in the state. According to the statement, offenders risk being fined ₦50,000 or made to perform community service if found violating the new directive.
The command’s message, which surfaced online on Saturday, June 29, was bluntly worded and directly targeted at young women: “As you no dey like wear cloth wey dey cover your body well, indecent dressing in Delta State is now punishable by either a fine of ₦50,000 or community service. If you like, no dress well.”
The declaration, reportedly made by spokespersons of the command in local pidgin to drive the message home, sparked immediate uproar across social media platforms. Critics argue that such statements reinforce harmful stereotypes, encourage gender-based profiling, and distract from more pressing security challenges facing the state.
Legal experts and civil rights advocates have questioned the constitutional basis for penalizing individuals based on their mode of dressing. Many have asked under what law or legislative authority such fines or punishments are being imposed, calling for clarity and urging residents to resist any attempt at harassment or extortion disguised as morality enforcement.
The Delta State Police Command has yet to issue an official clarification or detailed legal framework backing the enforcement. However, activists warn that arbitrary enforcement could lead to widespread rights abuses, especially among young, economically disadvantaged women.
Meanwhile, many Nigerians have taken to platforms like Twitter, Threads, and Instagram to share their disbelief and outrage. Some users posted photos of themselves in bold outfits as a form of protest, while others called for legal action against what they perceive as policing morality rather than crime.
As the story continues to gain traction nationwide, pressure is mounting on the Delta State Police Command to either walk back the controversial message or formally outline the law being enforced to avoid a legal showdown.
