Anambra Security Outfit Sparks Controversy Over Women’s Dress Code Enforcement

A security outfit in Anambra State has announced it will arrest women seen in public without bras or panties. This directive, which some claim has the backing of Governor Charles Soludo, is meant to enforce a dress code to promote public decency. But the state government has not issued any official statement or confirmation to support this policy, raising questions about its authenticity and implementation.

The announcement has generated heated debate across the state and beyond. Many residents and civil society groups have condemned the directive as an infringement on personal rights, asking if security agencies should be dress coders. Others say while maintaining public decency is important, this is not the way to go. Social media is flooded with reactions, with some people saying they can’t believe this and others saying dress code enforcement is more important than the many security challenges in the state.

Legal experts too have weighed in, saying any attempt to enforce such dress code without a formal legal framework will be a breach of fundamental human rights. A lawyer in Awka, the state capital, said Nigerian law does not criminalise not wearing underwear and any security outfit that arrests a woman for this reason is operating outside its jurisdiction. “If such a policy is to be enforced, it must go through the proper legislative process and align with constitutional rights,” he said.

The security outfit in question, Agunechemba, was established under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law of 2025 to tackle issues like crime, kidnapping and other security challenges. It was part of Governor Soludo’s plan to improve safety and order in the state. But many are now asking if the group is exceeding its mandate by regulating personal attire rather than focusing on security threats like armed robbery and cult-related violence that are still big problems in Anambra.

Some religious and cultural groups in the state have backed the move, saying it’s promoting moral values and our culture. They say public modesty should be upheld and that the influence of Western fashion has eroded our culture. A traditional leader said, “Our culture is decent and we must do everything to prevent moral decay in our society.” But others say morality should be a personal choice and not something enforced by law.

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