Niger Gov withdraws arrest order against dreadlock carriers after backlash

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has withdrawn an earlier directive to security operatives for the arrest of persons wearing dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital.

Bago stirred controversy on social media after he was caught on video while speaking at a stakeholders’ security meeting held at the government house on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

In the controversial clip, the Governor ordered security operatives to arrest any individuals carrying dreadlocks, cut their hair and impose a financial penalty on them.

“Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine the person.

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“Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies,” he said.

However, the Governor has now reversed the controversial directive following strong backlash from Nigerians.

In a move to appease potential investors on Wednesday, Bago urged anyone intending to start a business in the state not to hesitate.

He claimed that his earlier declaration, which was intended to address hooliganism in the state, was misinterpreted.

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

“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.”