Speaking to potential investors, the governor encouraged them to bring their businesses to the state regardless of their hairstyle

By Titilope Adako

Niger Stste, Nigeria | April 23 2025

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has reversed his earlier directive instructing security operatives to arrest individuals with dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital.

KoikiMedia had reported that Bago, during a stakeholders’ security meeting at the Government House on Tuesday, ordered the arrest of residents with dreadlocks, adding that their hair should be cut and fines imposed.

“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 declared.

However, following public backlash, Bago on Wednesday clarified his stance, saying his comment was misinterpreted.

Speaking to potential investors, the governor encouraged them to bring their businesses to the state regardless of their hairstyle.

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

“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,” he stated.

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