BBC News [UK]
"Motorcyclists in Nigeria have been wearing dried pumpkin shells on
their heads to dodge new laws forcing them to wear helmets,
authorities have said. Officials in the northern city of Kano said
they had stopped several people with 'improvised helmets,' following
this month's introduction of the law. Road safety officials said
calabash-wearers would be prosecuted. Thousands of motorbikes have
been impounded around the country and drivers have staged
protests. ... 'We are impounding their bikes and want to take them to
court so they can explain why they think wearing a calabash is good
enough for their safety,' [Kano Federal Road Safety Commission
commander Yusuf Garba] said." (01/06/09)