Niger State Governor Umar Bago reversed earlier instructions and ordered the arrest and punishment of the braided man in the state capital Minna after widespread public criticism.
On Tuesday, April 22, at a stakeholder safety meeting at the Government Building, Bago directed security operators to arrest residents wearing braids, cutting their hair and fined them. He stressed what he called “unacceptable hairstyles” in the state capital, directing security agencies to take immediate action.
The governor said: “Anyone you find is braiding, arresting, barbing hair and thin people.
These remarks have sparked condemnation from civil society groups, human rights advocates and the public who see orders as a violation of personal freedom and overturning executive power.
In response to the backlash, Governor Bago clarified his position in his public speech on Wednesday, April 23. He denies widespread hostility to weird people, attributes his early comments to concerns about criminals who allegedly use braids to cover up cult-related activities.
“Yesterday, we read the riot law about rogue behavior and people misunderstood our words about the braids,” he said. “We have no problem with braids, but we have problems with the cult here.
The governor also took advantage of the opportunity to invite investors and professionals to the state, emphasizing that it remains open to everyone, regardless of the individual appearance.
