A security officer from the Agunaechemba Vigilante Group in Anambra State has sparked outrage. He announced that women seen in public without bras or panties would face arrest. A viral video, shared on social media on Sunday, February 16, 2025, captured the declaration.
Speaking in Igbo, the officer claimed Governor Chukwuma Soludo issued the order. He said the rule aimed to promote decency and stop “indecent exposure.” He also warned that women wearing only panties in public would face arrest. The Anambra State government has not confirmed or clarified the directive.
Many question the legality and practicality of the order. Anambra State has regulated dress codes before, like banning mini-length school uniforms. But this move takes dress regulation further. Critics argue it violates fundamental rights and could lead to harassment.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Former Kaduna Senator Shehu Sani mocked the idea, asking if authorities would set up checkpoints for enforcement. Others support the rule, claiming stricter dress codes will restore public decency.
Legal analysts insist no Nigerian law supports such an arrest. They call the directive unconstitutional and baseless. Human rights advocates warn that security officials could exploit it for extortion and harassment.
“This violates fundamental rights, without a legal framework, enforcing this order is unconstitutional and should be challenged in court,” ” said a legal analyst in Onitsha.
Beyond legal concerns, many question the government’s priorities. Residents argue leaders should focus on insecurity, unemployment, and poor infrastructure instead of women’s underwear.
Governor Soludo and the Anambra State government have not issued a statement. Many await clarification on whether the directive is official and how authorities plan to enforce it.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how the Anambra State authorities will respond to the public outcry and if any official dress code policy will be introduced.
A security unit in Anambra has declared that women seen in public without bra or panties will now be arrested.
The announcement was made publicly and further stated that women wearing only panties in public would also face arrest.
This is a mad country.
pic.twitter.com/1sf0S5hH1h— #OurFavOnlineDoc 🩺 🇬🇧 (@OurFavOnlineDoc) February 17, 2025