Indecent dressing: Delta govt gives new directive to security agencies

The Delta State Government has issued a directive to security agencies, urging them to exercise caution and uphold the rule of law while enforcing regulations related to indecent dressing.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, made the call in a statement shared with journalists in Asaba on Thursday.

This response comes amid a renewed push by security operatives to implement provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of 2020 across the state.

While emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of citizens, Ohwovoriole pointed out that some interpretations of the law may be problematic.

READ ALSO: Tragedy as 23-year-old man stabs self to death in Delta

According to him, “The Violence Against Persons Prohibitions (VAPP) Law, 2020 criminalizes certain acts that may be categorized as indecent exposure of private parts.”

He stressed that enforcement must be guided strictly by legal procedures.

“It is essential to emphasize that the interpretation and application of the Law rests exclusively with a Court of law,” he said. “No security operative has the power to impose any punishment on any individual without due process of law.”

The commissioner raised concerns over the shift in language used by some agencies, highlighting that the term “indecent dressing” is not found in the legal text.

He noted, “The use of the phrase ‘indecent dressing’ instead of ‘indecent exposure’ as provided in section 29 of the VAPP law raises concerns about potential human rights violations.”

Ohwovoriole further clarified that the VAPP law does not give security operatives the authority to penalize individuals based on their attire.

“No provision of the VAPP Law authorises law enforcement agents to harass, arrest, or punish citizens based on their dressing or appearance,” he stated. “Any such action must follow proper legal procedures and be founded on lawful complaints or charges brought before a competent court of law.”

He encouraged residents to report any abuses to the Office of the Public Defender under the state’s Ministry of Justice.