Governor Bago Reverses Stance on Dreadlocks After Backlash

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has rescinded his earlier directive that called for the arrest and punishment of individuals with dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital, after receiving widespread public backlash.

During a stakeholders’ security meeting at the government house on Tuesday, April 22, Bago had initially instructed security personnel to arrest residents with dreadlocks, cut their hair, and impose fines.

He emphasized a crackdown on what he referred to as “unacceptable haircuts” in the state capital and ordered security agencies to take swift action.

“Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine the person. Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies,” the governor had said.

The governor’s initial remarks drew strong criticism from civil society organizations, human rights activists, and members of the public, who saw the directive as an infringement on personal liberties and an abuse of executive authority.

In response to the uproar, Governor Bago addressed the issue publicly on Wednesday, April 23, clarifying his stance.

He denied harboring any general animosity toward individuals with dreadlocks, explaining that his earlier comments stemmed from security concerns over reports that some criminal elements were allegedly using dreadlocks to conceal cult-related activities.

“Yesterday we read a riot act on hooliganism and people misunderstood our words for people who have dreadlocks,” he said.

“We don’t have a problem with dreadlocks but we have a problem with the cult here with dreadlocks. So if you have any business and you have dreadlocks, please come to Niger State. All that is media propaganda.”

The governor also took the opportunity to extend an invitation to investors and professionals, stressing that Niger State remains welcoming and inclusive, irrespective of individuals’ personal appearance or style.