Delta Police Begin Enforcement of Indecent Dressing Under VAAP Law — Offenders Risk N50,000 Fine or Community Service

Delta Police Move to Enforce Indecent Dressing Ban Under VAAP Law

 

The Delta State Police Command has announced a new campaign to enforce Section 16 of the Delta State Violence Against All Persons Prohibition (VAAP) Law 2015, which targets “indecent dressing” in public places.

According to a public notice issued in Pidgin English, individuals, especially women, found wearing outfits deemed inappropriate by the state authorities could face a fine of N50,000 or be sentenced to community service.

The widely circulated poster features a cartoon image of a woman in a crop top and short skirt, with a stern warning from the Police Public Relations Department:

“As you nor 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… VAAP law don ready to punish anybody wey nor dress well.”

 

Legal Backing and Interpretations

The campaign references Section 16 of the VAAP Law, which was originally passed in 2015 to address various forms of violence and abuse against all persons in Delta State. However, TJ News Nigeria learnt that this particular interpretation of the law—focusing on dressing codes—has sparked legal and social concerns.

Legal practitioners argue that the term “indecent dressing” lacks a clear legal definition, making enforcement subjective and open to abuse.

“This could easily become a tool for profiling and harassing young women,” said a Warri-based human rights lawyer who asked not to be named. “The law was meant to protect victims of violence, not control fashion.”

Gender Bias Concerns

Women’s rights groups have also criticized the policy, calling it a misuse of state resources and a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights to personal liberty and dignity.

“Why is this targeted only at women? Will men wearing sagging trousers or transparent clothing be fined too?” asked Adaeze Ugwu, a feminist activist in Asaba.

TJ News Nigeria reports that the Delta State Police Public Relations Office has not yet clarified how the law will be enforced or what specific dress codes will be considered unlawful.

 

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Social Media Reactions

The campaign poster has sparked a wave of backlash on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Users have tagged the move as “morality policing” and called for its immediate review.

“If the police focused half this energy on tackling armed robbery or cultism, Delta State would be safer,” wrote @NaijaJustice on X.

Some citizens, however, welcomed the initiative, citing a perceived erosion of cultural values and increasing public nudity.

What the Law Says

Section 16 of the Delta VAAP Law addresses acts that amount to psychological and emotional abuse, but it does not explicitly define or criminalize dressing styles. According to legal experts, enforcing fines or community service based on clothing could violate constitutional protections under Sections 34 and 37 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee human dignity and privacy.

“This overreach sets a dangerous precedent. Today it’s short skirts; tomorrow it could be hairstyles,” noted constitutional law expert Dr. Musa Lawal.

Government Yet to Respond

As of press time, the Delta State Ministry of Justice and the Commissioner of Police have yet to issue an official statement clarifying the scope and enforcement procedures of this new public morality campaign.

Civil society organizations are already calling for a judicial review and urging affected individuals to challenge any fines or arrests in court.

Summary:

• Law Cited: Section 16 of the Delta State VAAP Law, 2015
• Penalty: N50,000 fine or community service for “indecent dressing”
• Controversy: Ambiguous legal backing, possible gender discrimination, constitutional concerns
• Status: No official government statement yet; public outcry mounting

TJ News Nigeria will continue to monitor this developing story.