The Nigeria Police Force has issued a clear statement regarding dress codes and tinted vehicle glasses, affirming that no one, including police officers, vigilantes, or other security personnel, has the authority to arrest individuals based on criteria such as dreadlocks, earrings on men, wearing of bum shorts or mini-skirts by women, or going out without brassieres.
Delta State Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, conveyed this message in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, emphasizing that none of these dress choices constitutes an offense, and thus, no one should be subjected to arrest or harassment.
Edafe stated, “I have been getting complaints that members of the public, particularly residents in Delta State, are being harassed sometimes by vigilantes, anti-cult groups, hunters’ associations, and some defiant police officers.”
He clarified, “I want to make it very clear that on the issue of dress code, improper dressing, boys carrying dreadlocks, wearing earrings, girls wearing bum shorts or mini-skirts, or girls going out without a bra; it is not an offence.”
Furthermore, Edafe addressed the matter of tinted vehicle glasses, explaining that the Commissioner of Police in the state has instructed officers to permit the use of factory-fitted tinted glasses until the police lift the suspension on tinted permits.
However, for vehicles with aftermarket tinted glasses, those with existing tinted permits are allowed to use them, while others are advised to remove the artificial tint to avoid inconvenience.
“No policeman has been directed to arrest people over tinted windows; however, if you have artificially tinted vehicle windows, you are advised to peel it off to prevent any potential complications,” Edafe added.
He advised individuals to comply with the directive to peel off tinted films if they do not possess the necessary permits to avoid vehicle impoundment.
| Sahara Reporters
