Residents of Delta State may now need to double-check their wardrobes before stepping out, as the state police command has announced that “indecent dressing” is officially punishable under the state’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, the Delta Police warned that exposing private parts in public could attract a fine of ₦50,000, compulsory community service, or both. In other words, your outfit could either cost you your money — or your dignity on street-cleaning duty.
“There are some laws that you don’t know the state frowns against. So, every weekend, we will be dropping some of these laws so that you will be aware,” the police wrote, kickstarting what may become a weekly tradition of unexpected legal sermons.
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This weekend’s surprise? Section 29 of the VAPP Law, which targets indecent exposure — not to be confused with daring fashion choices or creative TikTok trends.
The post clarifies that anyone who “intentionally exposes their private parts in public” is liable to prosecution, a fine of ₦50,000, or a stylish round of community service (perhaps sweeping the same streets where the outfit was first seen).
The VAPP Act, originally signed into federal law in 2015 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan, was domesticated in Delta State in July 2020. While the law was primarily introduced to protect vulnerable citizens from actual violence — including domestic abuse, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, and battery — it appears the fashion department has now found its own space in the act.
Interestingly, the post provided no clear definition of what qualifies as “indecent.” Will sagging trousers make the cut? Are backless dresses now a legal grey area? And what about those trending ripped jeans that cost more than intact ones?
As social media users reacted with a mix of humour and confusion, some wondered whether the police were out to enforce morality or simply needed a break from catching actual criminals.
“So, indecent dressing is now a crime, but we’re still battling kidnappers in the same state?” one user quipped.
Another added, “Let me know if I should wear agbada to buy suya.”
Still, the warning remains. From now on, Delta residents may want to look both ways — and in the mirror — before stepping out. Not just for traffic, but for the fashion patrol.
If your outfit screams “freedom of expression”, the Delta Police might just hear “violation of Section 29”.
