Legal Expert Refutes Criminalization of Dreadlocks and Indecent Dressing in Delta State
ASABA/Nigeria: In recent weeks, the landscape of social media has been inundated with a deluge of threats and inflammatory rhetoric targeting the Delta State government. This surge of unwarranted turmoil has been fueled by the dissemination of fake news orchestrated by troublemakers and antagonists. These individuals seem intent on sowing discord between segments of society and the Delta State government, all based on alleged measures to criminalize indecent dressing, dreadlocks, and the arrest and prosecution of offenders.
One particular video, featuring an adult female claiming to be a sex worker, has gone viral, showcasing what she deems as “indecent dressing.” In this video, she vehemently pledged to rally against the state government should it decide to outlaw her ancient profession or take punitive measures against those engaging in it.
In a statement released on Wednesday and made available to the press in Asaba, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., a legal practitioner and human rights activist, categorically refuted the notion that sporting dreadlocks and dressing indecently constitute criminal offenses under the law.
Oghenesivbe cited the legal maxim “Nullum crimen sine lege,” which translates to “no crime without law” in Latin. According to him, this principle, which is embedded in Nigerian criminal law and international criminal law, asserts that individuals should not face criminal penalties for acts that were not criminalized by law before they were committed.
As an Attorney-at-Law and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Oghenesivbe stressed that a legitimate offense can only exist when a specific law or statute directly prohibits and criminalizes an act within society. In the present case, neither the Delta State nor Nigerian legislatures have enacted laws criminalizing the wearing of natural or unnatural dreadlocks and indecent dressing, except in the Sharia-compliant states of Northern Nigeria.
Oghenesivbe, who previously served as the Spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 general elections in Delta State, assured the public that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is dedicated to the betterment of the people and fostering a harmonious relationship with the youth. He emphasized that the administration would not engage in actions that violate the rule of law or infringe upon citizens’ fundamental rights.
Furthermore, Oghenesivbe urged the youth of Delta State and Nigeria as a whole to adopt strong moral values by dressing modestly both within and outside the state. He highlighted that society’s perception of individuals, particularly their readiness and responsibility for leadership roles in the public and private sectors, is often influenced by their appearance and decency.
Addressing the issue of prostitution, Barrister Oghenesivbe clarified that this ancient profession has long been criminalized in Northern Nigeria under Sharia Laws, making it a criminal offense for those who engage in it in those regions.
However, he noted that enforcing laws against prostitution remains challenging due to its widespread nature in Nigeria and globally. Oghenesivbe explained that prostitution is illegal in all Northern States practicing Islamic penal code, and offenders are duly punished in accordance with the severity of their offenses.
In Southern Nigeria, the activities of pimps or madams, underage prostitution, and the operation or ownership of brothels are penalized under sections 223, 224, and 225 of the Nigerian Criminal Code. Section 223 specifically deals with the procurement of women or girls, including prostitutes, and imposes a two-year imprisonment penalty for such acts.
Oghenesivbe urged the youth of Delta State to refrain from engaging in immoral activities and continue supporting the Oborevwori administration. He stressed that the administration’s M.O.R.E agenda, aimed at benefiting both unskilled and skilled youth, is already being implemented in the state for their welfare.
Oghenesivbe advised the public to disregard the propaganda and divisive rhetoric spread by individuals using social media platforms to foment discord between the government and the citizens of Delta State. He asserted that such individuals do not have the best interests of the state’s progress and development at heart and highlighted the significant role youth play in the state’s socioeconomic blueprint.
“The reasonable number of youth serving in Governor Oborevwori’s administration attests to the fact that youth are also major stakeholders in the M.O.R.E socioeconomic blueprint of the state and must firmly stand in support of the youth-friendly governor and the state government as they work toward advancing Delta from 2023 to 2031,” Oghenesivbe concluded.
