Following the introduction of Agunechemba, a new security outfit in Anambra State, town criers in some communities have warned that individuals risk arrest as Governor Chukwuma Soludo has allegedly banned girls from walking the streets without bras and pants. As a result, such sights have vanished across the state.

Additionally, youths with dreadlocks, colored low cuts, and sagging trousers are rushing to hair salons for proper haircuts, as sagging trousers appear to have fallen out of fashion.

In Anambra, the fear of Agunechemba has led many to abandon extreme fashion styles, which have been linked to kidnapping and cyber fraud (Yahoo Yahoo). At a popular hair salon on Ifite Road in Awka, young men and women were seen queuing to either cut off their dreadlocks or remove the colors from their hair. The sudden surge in demand has driven up the cost of a haircut in the city from an average of N2,000 to N5,000.

Similarly, the common sight of girls parading the streets in transparent outfits without bras and pants — especially around the popular Aroma and Abakaliki Street areas of Awka — has completely disappeared.

Although the state government has denied issuing any such directive, Agunechemba operatives in some areas have reportedly harassed individuals moving about without bras and pants, as well as boys with dreadlocks and girls with colored low cuts.

Some youths have questioned why the government is focused on physical appearance and hairstyles instead of addressing the state’s rising insecurity. However, many say they have chosen to comply with the alleged order due to pressure from relatives.

The allegation that the state government ordered the enforcement of a dress code has drawn the attention of state officials. In response, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, dismissed the claims as a misrepresentation of the new Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.

“In one instance, a town crier told the people that those wearing dreadlocks or sagging their trousers would be arrested. In another, perhaps the most absurd, a town crier claimed that women not wearing bras and pants would be arrested,” Mefor stated.

“These misleading statements are neither part of the new law nor a directive from the state government. Such false information and misrepresentation must stop, as they can incite public unrest. For the avoidance of doubt, the new law has nothing to do with dress codes,” he added.

According to Mefor, the law is primarily aimed at combating criminality and eradicating certain practices, such as the activities of native doctors, sorcerers, and idolaters who prepare Oke-Ite and similar charms for criminals.

He further warned that town criers must consult their communities’ Presidents-General before making public broadcasts, as these officials would be held accountable for any misinformation. “If in doubt, Presidents-General should consult the government, especially the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security,” Mefor cautioned.

Similarly, Governor Soludo’s Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, urged the public to ignore the false reports.

“We categorically state that this information is not only false but also mischievous and intended to mislead the public while tarnishing the state government’s image,” Aburime said.

He reassured residents that the Soludo administration remains focused on security, economic transformation, human capital development, and urban regeneration — rather than on trivial matters like dress codes. (Vanguard)