The post said that Mr Kumapayi was carrying out a "hair, uniform and fingernails inspection" of staff.

An official guide for female staff at FRSC parades says they must "maintain a hairstyle that can be tucked into their beret." It does not mention a ban on long hair.

Mr Kumapayi has not commented.

A spokesman said the officer's action was "outside" the FRSC mandate, BBC reported.

Lauretta Onochie, an aide to Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari, condemned the action saying "humiliation of women taken too far" in a post on Twitter.