BY PATRICK MGBODO
DELTA State Government has reacted to the controversy surrounding the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP) on indecent dressing, warning law enforcement agencies to desist from harassing citizens.
Recall that the state command of the Nigeria Police Force had, over the weekend, warned that individuals found guilty of indecent dressing risked a fine of N50,000 or a sentence of community service.
However, the Ministry of Justice, in a statement issued to The Pointer, warned that no security operative has the power to impose any punishment on any individual without due process of law.
According to the statement , ‘’The attention of the Delta State Ministry of Justice has been drawn to a Public Notice issued by a Law Enforcement Agency warning against indecent dressing in Delta State, and the concerns raised by members of the public on the alleged offence of indecent dressing.
‘’The Ministry of Justice wishes to categorically state that while the Violence Against Persons Law, 2020 criminalises certain acts that may be categorised as indecent exposure of private parts, it is essential to emphasise that the interpretation and application of the Law rests exclusively with a Court of law. No security operative has the power to impose any punishment on any individual without due process of law.
‘’The Ministry of Justice also wishes to state that the use of the phrase “indecent dressing” instead of “indecent exposure” as provided in section 29 of the VAAP law raises concerns about potential human rights violations.
‘’For the avoidance of doubt, no provision of the VAAP Law authorises law enforcement agents to harass, arrest, or punish citizens based on their dress or appearance. Any such action must follow proper legal procedures and be founded on lawful complaints or charges brought before a competent court of law. ‘’The Ministry of Justice calls on all security agencies to exercise restraint and professionalism in the discharge of their duties and to respect the constitutional rights of all citizens. We also urge the public to report any incidents of abuse to the Office of the Public Defender in the Ministry of Justice.
