In his address at the 33rd edition of the social media seminar for media practitioners and social media influencers in Aba, Abia State, Brigadier Gen. Olusola Diya, the Bridge Commander overseeing the 14 Brigade Ohafia, urged the public to report any soldier or military personnel who subjects civilians to torture due to their dreadlocks.
Gen Diya emphasized that there is no legal restriction against individuals having dreadlocks and expressed concerns about the violation of people’s rights when soldiers target innocent citizens based on their hairstyle, even though dreadlocks are often associated with internet fraudsters.
Responding to queries about the legality of military personnel’s actions of mistreating commuters with dreadlocks at military checkpoints, he clarified that there are no laws mandating a specific dress code for citizens. Therefore, it is inappropriate for soldiers at checkpoints to enforce non-existent regulations.
Warning of severe consequences, the Brigade Commander assured that any military personnel caught harassing commuters at checkpoints for possessing dreadlocks would face disciplinary measures. He urged the public to report any soldier engaged in such misconduct by providing their name and checkpoint details.