ANAMBRA POLICE COMMAND WARNS AGAINST CASTE-BASED DISCRIMINATION, SAYS IT VIOLATES FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS
The Anambra State Police Command has reiterated that any form of discrimination, humiliation, or denial of rights based on caste practices is barbaric, unlawful, and a gross violation of the fundamental human rights guaranteed under Nigerian law.
Section 42(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), provides that no citizen shall be subjected to any form of discrimination on the basis of community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion, or circumstance of birth. Likewise, Section 34(1) affirms the right to dignity of the human person and prohibits all forms of inhuman or degrading treatment.
In addition, the Discrimination Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2018 criminalizes all forms of discrimination and prescribes penalties for offenders.
The Command strongly warns that attempts to deny couples the right to marry or live freely together on the basis of caste practices are unacceptable and unlawful. Once two consenting adults agree to marry, no cultural barrier or discriminatory practice has any legal standing to override their constitutional rights to freedom of association (Section 40), family life, and dignity.
The Police Command stresses that Nigeria is governed by the rule of law and not oppressive or degrading traditional practices, and anyone found culpable of enforcing caste-based discrimination will face the full weight of the law.
The Command urges residents of Anambra State to promote peace, equality, and mutual respect for human rights, and to report any incident of caste-based discrimination to the nearest Police Station for appropriate action.
The dignity, freedom, and security of every individual remain a top priority for the Anambra State Police Command.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Police Command, Awka
24th September, 2025
About Author
