A group under the auspices of the

Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), has condemned the imposition of curfews by non-state actors across Nigeria, describing the practice as unconstitutional and dangerous, particularly for women and girls.

In a statement issued by its founder, Funmi Falana, SAN, the organisation said recent incidents in Ozoro, Delta State, highlighted a broader pattern of unlawful restrictions tied to traditional practices in parts of the country.

“The disturbing events recently reported in Ozoro, Delta State, are not isolated. They are the predictable consequence of a dangerous and long-tolerated illegality across parts of Nigeria: the imposition of curfews and movement restrictions by non-state actors under the guise of culture,” the statement read.

WELA stressed that the issue goes beyond cultural expression, stating, “Let us be clear, what is at issue is not culture. What is at issue is power exercised without legal authority.”

The group noted that across regions including the South-West and Niger Delta, traditional festivals such as Oro, Agemo, and Ekpe often impose movement restrictions that disproportionately affect women, non-indigenes, and non-initiates.

“These restrictions confine citizens to their homes, shut down businesses, disrupt education, and, as recent events have shown, create environments where abuse thrives unchecked,” the statement said.

Describing the Ozoro situation as an extreme example, WELA warned that such practices erode the rule of law and expose vulnerable groups to harm.

“When individuals or groups assume the authority to declare curfews, control public spaces, and dictate who may move freely, they create conditions where lawlessness replaces order and where the vulnerable—especially women and girls—are exposed to grave harm,” it stated.

The organisation emphasised that the 1999 Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, personal liberty, and protection from discrimination, adding that no traditional or private authority has the power to suspend these rights.

“No traditional institution, no cultural group, and no private individual has the constitutional authority to suspend these rights,” WELA said.

It further cited judicial precedents, noting that courts have consistently ruled against such practices.

“Tradition cannot override fundamental rights,” the statement added.

WELA also pointed to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, stressing that enforcement of curfews through intimidation or violence constitutes criminal conduct.

“Where curfews are enforced through fear, threats, or violence, they are not cultural expressions, they are criminal acts,” it said.

The organisation called for urgent nationwide action, urging authorities to declare all curfews imposed by non-state actors illegal and to sanction offenders.

“All curfews imposed by non-state actors whether in the name of festivals, rituals, or tradition must be declared illegal and prohibited across Nigeria,” WELA stated.

It also called on law enforcement agencies to treat such practices as criminal offences and urged governments to clearly define the limits of traditional authority.

While affirming the value of culture, WELA said traditions must evolve in ways that respect human rights.

“Our festivals should showcase our heritage, not weaponise it. They should attract visitors, not instil fear. They should empower communities, not degrade women and girls,” the statement read.

The group warned that continued tolerance of unlawful curfews would deepen rights violations and weaken justice systems nationwide.

“The events in Ozoro are a warning. If unlawful curfews continue to be tolerated, they will continue to produce environments where rights are violated and justice is absent,” it said.

WELA declared: “We must choose—between a society governed by law or one governed by unchecked tradition.”

“For us, the choice is clear. Enough is enough.” (AriseNews TV)

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