The Bridge Commander in charge of 14 Brigade Ohafia, Abia State, Brigadier Gen. Olusola Diya, has stated that no Nigerian soldier has the right to torture any civilian on account of hairstyle.
The Commander, therefore, urged members of the public to report any soldier or military personnel torturing any civilian. Or those having dreadlocks.
Diya made this call during the 33rd edition of the social media seminar held for media practitioners and social media influencers in Aba, Abia State.
The General pointed that there is no known law in Nigeria that prohibits people from having dreadlocks.
According to him, “Although internet fraudsters are usually associated with dreadlock hairstyle, it amounts to infringement of people’s rights for soldiers to go after innocent citizens with dreadlocks.
Diya was responding to a question on the constitutionality of the activities of military personnel who drag down and subject commuters with dreadlocks to torture at military checkpoints.
He said, “There was no law dictating for or prescribing a dress code for citizens. Hence, it is wrong for military personnel on checkpoints to resort to enforcing nonexistent laws.
The Brigade Commander, therefore, threatened severe sanctions against any military personnel found perpetuating the act.
He said, “Any soldier found arresting people with dreadlocks will be dealt with. Once you see any soldier engaging in such unprofessional conduct, please get us his name and the checkpoint. And see what we will do.”
Recall that it is a rampart scene in the Southeast to see the military harassing innocent civilian commuters.
source: Daily Post
