The Nigerian Law Society(NLS), a professional body of lawyers, expresses deep concern and unequivocal objection to the recent Executive Orders issued by the Governor of Niger State on April 22, 2025. While we support lawful efforts to restore peace and security, governance must remain within the bounds of the Nigerian Constitution and respect citizens’ fundamental rights. 
The Executive Orders exceed legal authority, posing grave threats to human dignity, civil liberties, and the rule of law. Specifically: – The directive to arrest and forcibly shave citizens with dreadlocks is discriminatory, dehumanizing, and violates the rights to dignity, privacy, and freedom from discrimination (Sections 34, 37, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution).
– Summary execution without trial violates the right to life (Section 33(1)) and presumption of innocence (Section 36(5)).
– Demolishing homes without a valid court order is unlawful and violates property rights (Section 44) and fair hearing (Section 36).
– Confiscation of vehicles without a court order is unconstitutional and illegal.
Our Position:
We caution the Governor of Niger State to return to democratic rule and constitutional order. We admonish security agencies to obey the Constitution and decline to implement manifestly illegal orders.
We call on:
– The Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defence Staff, and Heads of security agencies to decline and refuse to approve or confirm these unconstitutional orders.
– The Hon. Attorney-General of Niger State, Hon. Attorney General of the Federation, and Minister of Justice to take immediate action.
– Civil Society Organizations, the judiciary, and citizens to rise to their constitutional roles in defending the rule of law.
We demand the immediate review and withdrawal of all unconstitutional elements of the Executive Orders. Security must never come at the expense of human rights and democratic accountability.
•Chief Mela A.Nunghe, SAN, MCI Arb. UK,Bencher, President.
NLS MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE UNCONSTITUTIONAL EXECUTIVE ORDERS ISSUED BY THE GOVERNOR OF NIGER STATE.
