Contrary to circulating claims, there is no directive from the Nigerian government ordering the arrest of people with dreadlocks. While instances of harassment based on appearance have been reported,these actions are not supported by law.
In a public statement, the Delta State Police made it clear that having dreadlocks, tattoos, piercings, or wearing certain clothes—like bum shorts or miniskirts—is not a crime. Police spokesperson DSP Bright Edafe stressed that no officer or local security outfit has the right to arrest someone based on how they look. He encouraged the public to report any such incidents.
Civil rights groups have echoed this stance, pointing to the Nigeria Police Act of 2020, which prohibits arrests based on stereotypes or personal style. Organizations like RULAAC and PWAN continue to speak out against profiling and discrimination, especially toward young people.
Despite these protections, some abuses persist. In one 2019 case, soldiers in Abia State were reported to have forcefully shaved young men with dreadlocks and detained them without explanation.
Bottom line: wearing dreadlocks—or expressing yourself through your appearance—is not a crime in Nigeria, and efforts are ongoing to hold security forces accountable when they overstep.
