Human Rights Lawyer Slams Governor Bago Over Dreadlocks Arrest Order
…Says It’s Unconstitutional
A human rights lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, slammed Niger State Governor, Mr Umar Bago for directing the arrest of individuals wearing dreadlocks, Omirhobo described the executive order as draconian, unlawful, a gross abuse and misuse of power he does not possess.
While condemning the stance of Governor Bago, the lawyer asserted that neither Governor Bago nor security agencies have the constitutional authority to arrest citizens based on their appearance.
Omirhobo, in a statement stressed that there is no legal framework in Nigeria that criminalizes hairstyles such as dreadlocks.
He further said; “There is no law in Nigeria that backs such an order. Governor Bago has no legal powers to arrest or instruct the arrest of anyone simply for wearing dreadlocks.
“Security operatives must also understand that they are not empowered to enforce personal biases or unconstitutional directives,” he said.
M=Omirhobo therefore tasked Governor Bago to redirect his focus toward tackling the pressing insecurity plaguing Niger State, as against “chasing shadows” and targeting innocent citizens based on stereotypes.
Governor Bago on Tuesday, issued an Executive Order prohibiting people from keeping dread-lock hair, stating that anyone arrested should be shaved.
The Order also included a ban on thuggery activities within Minna, the Niger State capital and directed security agencies to arrest anyone found in possession of any weapon including knives and sticks and should be treated as an armed robber and if killed, the parents shall pay for the bullet before releasing the corpse.
The Governor also imposed a curfew for Keke NAPEP, and Okada riders from 6:00pm to 6:00am among others.
Niger State has been experiencing persistent security challenges that included; banditry and communal violence, thereby prompting calls for more strategic leadership and law enforcement responses.
