The Anambra State Government has debunked rumors that Governor Charles Soludo authorized the arrest of women who do not wear underwear.
A viral announcement in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area, claimed that women seen without bras and pants would face arrest.
The announcement, reportedly made by a town crier, stirred outrage and confusion across social media platforms.
However, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Soludo, swiftly dismissed the claims.
In an official statement, Opara clarified, “The trending announcement by the town crier in Abagana, wherein it was stated that ladies who move about without underwear would be arrested, is neither from the State government nor Agunechemba Security Outfit.”
Opara emphasized that the state government is focused on combating criminality and would not engage in trivial matters like policing women’s underwear choices.
He urged the public to disregard the rumor, stating, “Such trivial matters do not have any legal support and cannot be the focus of the State government or its law enforcement agencies at this time.”
Viral Controversy
The bizarre announcement first gained attention on social media after locals in Abagana reported hearing a town crier warn women against moving around without bras or panties.
The announcement triggered mixed reactions online, with some users expressing disbelief while others criticized the supposed law as draconian.
One social media user, TemplarLandry, commented, “Prof. Charles is too internationalized to implement such a draconian law.”
Another user, ElevationD, argued, “Government has no business arresting females for improper dressing.”
Debunking Fake News
Opara’s statement highlighted the growing issue of misinformation and urged the public to verify news before sharing.
He said, “It is important to make this clarification so as not to derail the focus of our law enforcement under any pretext.”
Opara also encouraged citizens to support the state’s security agencies by providing credible information about criminals.
Legal Perspective
Legal experts have weighed in on the issue, pointing out that no Nigerian law permits the arrest of women based on their choice of underwear.
Barrister Chika Nwosu, a legal analyst, stated, “There is no legal framework in Nigeria that empowers any security outfit to arrest women for not wearing bras or panties. Such actions would be unconstitutional and a violation of human rights.”
Nwosu further emphasized that the rumored announcement reflects societal misconceptions about morality and the law.
Social Media Reactions
The viral rumor sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with users ridiculing the notion of an “underwear police force.”
ClassicMan202 sarcastically commented, “The law is fully in place, and I will be the one to personally check if any lady is wearing lingerie. Defaulters will be sent to my chambers… sorry, prison, for further ‘interrogations.’”
Others made light of the situation, with Golan007 joking, “…And some people don already resign their jobs thinking they would be employed in the enforcement agency.”
Cultural Context
Nigeria is a culturally diverse nation with varying views on dressing and morality.
However, the Nigerian Constitution guarantees individual freedoms, including the right to personal expression, as long as it does not violate public decency or incite violence.
The rumor reflects a growing tension between conservative cultural norms and modern expressions of individuality.
Government’s Focus on Security
The Anambra State Government reiterated its commitment to combating criminality and ensuring public safety.
Opara explained, “The State government is focused on ridding the State of every form of criminality. Indecent dressing is not on the list of security priorities.”
Anambra has been grappling with security challenges, including kidnapping and armed robbery, prompting the government to strengthen its security apparatus.
