Caste -based discrimination not tolerated in Anambra State, Police Command warns

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.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, 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 based on 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 warned that attempts to deny couples the right to marry or live freely together based on 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 urged 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.