By WARRI – A recent pronouncement by the Delta State Police Command declaring “indecent dressing” a punishable offence under the state’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law has stirred controversy, prompting a strong reaction from the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri Branch.
In a post shared on its official X handle over the weekend, the Command announced that any person found “indecently dressed” in public risks a fine of ₦50,000 or community service, citing Section 29 of the Delta State VAPP Law. The Police also pledged to commence a weekly sensitisation campaign to educate the public on lesser-known laws in the state.
“There are some laws that you don’t know the state frowns upon,” the statement read. “Every weekend, we will be dropping some of these laws so that you will be aware.”
Specifically addressing what it termed “indecent dressing,” the Command warned:
“As you no like wear cloth wey dey cover your body well, and you prefer dey waka go work, school, or anywhere with clothes wey dey show everywhere for your body, make you hear am – Delta State Government nor dey smile for that kain dressing. VAPP Law don ready to punish anybody wey no dress well.”
The Police cited Section 29 of the VAPP Law, which criminalises the intentional exposure of private parts in public — defined as “indecent exposure” — punishable upon conviction by a fine not exceeding ₦50,000, community service, or both.
However, the NBA’s Human Rights Committee has swiftly reacted, cautioning that the Police’s interpretation may violate constitutional rights and exceed its legal powers.
In a press statement signed by its Chairman, John-Larry Ojukoko Esq., the Committee emphasised that while the Police may arrest suspects, it has no legal authority to impose fines or sentence individuals to community service without a court order.
“The use of the term ‘indecent dressing’ is vague, subjective and prone to abuse,” the statement read. “It raises the risk of arbitrary arrests and harassment by overzealous officers.”
Ojukoko further clarified that the actual offence recognised under the VAPP Law is “indecent exposure” — a more specific and legally defined term. He warned that conflating the two could open the door to human rights violations, particularly against women and vulnerable groups.
“The Nigeria Police does not have the authority to impose penalties. At best, suspects should be charged to court where a judge can determine guilt or innocence,” he stated.
The VAPP Law, originally passed at the federal level in 2015 and domesticated in Delta State in 2020, was intended to combat all forms of violence against persons and protect vulnerable populations in both public and private settings. Section 29 states:
“A person who intentionally exposes any of his or her private parts wholly or partly in public commits the offence of indecent exposure… [and] is liable on conviction to perform such community service as the court may order or to pay a fine not exceeding ₦50,000.00 or both.”
While public decency remains a contentious issue in Nigeria, human rights advocates have repeatedly warned against moral policing that could undermine constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.
The NBA’s Human Rights Committee concluded its statement by urging the Delta State Police Command to act strictly within the law and avoid any interpretation or enforcement strategy that could violate citizens’ rights.
“We will be monitoring the situation closely to prevent any form of harassment or infringement on individuals’ rights,” Ojukoko added.
As public reactions continue to build, legal experts and civil society groups are calling for clearer communication from the Police and greater civic education on the scope and limits of the VAPP Law.
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