Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) has raised serious concerns over the continued imposition of curfews and movement restrictions by non-state actors across parts of Nigeria, warning that the practice is unconstitutional and poses significant risks to the safety and rights of women and girls.
This position comes in the wake of disturbing reports from Ozoro in Delta State, which have once again brought national attention to a long-standing issue: the enforcement of movement restrictions during certain traditional festivals. While often justified as cultural observances, these restrictions frequently go beyond celebration and cross into the exercise of authority without legal backing.
In a statement issued by our Founder and Chairperson, Funmi Falana SAN, we made it clear that the issue at stake is not culture itself, but the assumption of power without lawful authority.
Across several regions in Nigeria, including parts of the South-West and the Niger Delta, festivals such as Oro, Agemo and Ekpe have historically been associated with curfews and restrictions on movement. In many instances, these measures disproportionately affect women, non-indigenes and non-initiates, confining residents to their homes, disrupting daily life and, in some cases, creating conditions where abuse can occur without oversight.
The situation reported in Ozoro represents a particularly troubling example of what can happen when such practices go unchecked. When individuals or groups assume the authority to declare curfews, control public spaces and determine who may move freely, the result is a breakdown of lawful order and an increased risk to vulnerable groups.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) is unequivocal in its protections. It guarantees freedom of movement, personal liberty and freedom from discrimination. These are fundamental rights that cannot be suspended by traditional institutions or cultural groups.
Only legally recognised authorities, acting within the framework of the law and in the interest of public safety, may impose restrictions such as curfews, and even then, such measures must meet strict standards of necessity, proportionality and legality.
This legal position has been reinforced by the courts. In a landmark judgment, the Ogun State High Court declared the imposition of curfews for traditional rites unconstitutional and restricted such practices to regulated conditions subject to government approval. Similar reasoning has been upheld in cases arising from festival practices in Oyo State, establishing a clear principle that tradition cannot override fundamental rights.
We also emphasised the relevance of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, which criminalises harmful traditional practices, intimidation, coercion and deprivation of liberty. Where curfews are enforced through fear, threats or violence, they fall squarely within the scope of criminal conduct.
Beyond the legal issues, the human impact of these practices cannot be ignored. Women and girls are often the most affected, facing heightened vulnerability in environments where movement is restricted and accountability is weakened. The reports from Ozoro, including incidents affecting women, underscore the urgent need to address this issue decisively.
In responding to these developments, WELA has called for a clear and coordinated national approach. Curfews imposed by non-state actors—whether in the name of festivals, rituals or tradition—must be recognised for what they are: unlawful restrictions on fundamental rights.
State governments have a responsibility to define and enforce the limits of traditional authority, while law enforcement agencies must treat the enforcement of such curfews, particularly where accompanied by intimidation or violence, as criminal acts.
At the same time, it is important to distinguish between culture and illegality. Cultural expression remains an important part of identity and community life. Across the world, cultural festivals have evolved to celebrate heritage, attract tourism and promote unity without infringing on individual rights.
Nigeria must take a similar path, one that preserves tradition while upholding the dignity, safety and freedom of all citizens.
As we reflect on the issues raised by the events in Ozoro, one point remains clear: a society governed by the rule of law cannot permit parallel systems of authority that operate outside legal boundaries.
WELA remains committed to advocating for the protection of women’s rights, promoting accountability and ensuring that cultural practices are aligned with constitutional principles and human dignity.
The conversation must now move beyond tolerance of harmful practices to decisive action that safeguards the rights and lives of women and girls across Nigeria.