The Anambra State Police Command has issued a strong warning against the continued practice and enforcement of caste-based discrimination, particularly the age-long Osu caste system, declaring it illegal, inhuman, and punishable under Nigerian law.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made it clear that any form of discrimination based on caste, origin, or social status is a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and will no longer be tolerated.
He stated that the Police are fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals living in Anambra State, irrespective of their background or social classification.
“Denying individuals their rights on account of caste is a gross violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the statement read.
Quoting Section 42(1) of the Constitution, the Command emphasized that no Nigerian citizen shall be discriminated against based on ethnicity, origin, sex, religion, or circumstance of birth. The Command also referenced Section 34(1), which guarantees the right to dignity of human persons and prohibits all forms of degrading treatment.
In addition, the Police cited the Discrimination Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which criminalizes discriminatory acts and provides clear penalties for offenders.
Reacting to reports of forced breakups and community interference in relationships due to Osu labeling, the Police described such acts as completely illegal, especially when used to block marriages between consenting adults.
“Once two consenting adults agree to marry, no cultural barrier or discriminatory practice has any legal standing to override their constitutional rights to freedom of association, family life, and dignity,” SP Ikenga declared.
He added that Nigeria is a country governed by law, not by outdated or oppressive traditions, warning that anyone found guilty of promoting or enforcing caste discrimination would face legal action.
The Police Command urged victims and concerned citizens to report such incidents to the nearest police station.
“The dignity, freedom, and security of every individual remain a top priority for the Anambra State Police Command,” Ikenga stated.
The Osu caste system is a traditional practice in some Igbo communities where individuals identified as “Osu” are considered spiritually inferior or “dedicated to the gods.” These individuals have historically been ostracized, barred from holding community leadership roles, and often prevented from marrying outside the caste.
While the practice has been widely condemned by civil society groups, religious leaders, and modern Igbo socio-political organizations, it still persists in subtle forms in some towns and villages in southeastern Nigeria.
One of the most common manifestations of the practice today is marriage restrictions, where families discourage or outright reject marital relationships with Osu-labeled individuals, even when both parties are willing.
The warning by the Police Command has drawn praise from human rights groups and legal experts who have long campaigned against the Osu system. Many believe that institutional intervention is crucial in ending a practice that continues to divide communities and cause emotional trauma.
Critics of the Osu caste system argue that it contradicts modern principles of equality, justice, and unity, and should have no place in a 21st-century democratic society.
The Police Command’s position is seen as part of broader efforts to reinforce the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution over harmful traditional practices and to promote social inclusion, peace, and respect for human dignity across the state.
As conversations around equality and human rights gain momentum, many are hopeful that law enforcement actions like this will help dismantle deeply rooted customs that have for generations denied individuals their full place in society.
With this clear stance from the Anambra State Police Command, attention will now turn to community leaders, traditional rulers, and families to align with the law and support efforts to end caste-based discrimination once and for all.
The Police also encouraged civic organisations, religious bodies, and youth groups to work together in educating communities about the dangers and illegality of such discriminatory practices.
