Police Warns Against Caste-Based Discrimination, Declares It Unlawful

The Anambra State Police Command has issued a strong warning against caste-based discrimination, describing it as barbaric, unlawful, and a gross violation of fundamental human rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command emphasized that any attempt to humiliate, deny rights, or restrict individuals based on caste practices will not be tolerated.

Citing Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Command noted that no citizen should suffer discrimination on the basis of community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion, or circumstance of birth. Similarly, Section 34(1) upholds the right to dignity of the human person and prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment.

The Police further referenced the Discrimination Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which criminalizes all forms of discrimination and prescribes penalties for offenders.

Addressing growing concerns over attempts to prevent marriages due to caste practices, the Command stressed that no cultural barrier has legal backing to override the constitutional rights of consenting adults to marry and live freely together. Such acts, it warned, amount to violations of freedom of association, family life, and human dignity.

“The Nigerian state is governed by the rule of law, not oppressive traditional practices,” the statement read. “Anyone found culpable of enforcing caste-based discrimination will face the full weight of the law.”

The Command urged residents of Anambra to promote peace, equality, and mutual respect for human rights. It also encouraged victims to report any incident of caste-based discrimination to the nearest police station for prompt action.

“The dignity, freedom, and security of every individual remain a top priority for the Anambra State Police Command,” the statement concluded.

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