…Risks N100,000 fine or prison sentence
The Nigerian Police Force has warned Nigerians about the legal consequences of refusing to assist police officers in distress.
Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, in a statement on Saturday, disclosed that failure to provide aid to officers under attack could attract a fine of N100,000 or a prison sentence of up to three months.
Mr Adejobi referred to provisions from the Police Act 2020, stating that refusal to help officers constitutes a serious offence.
“Section 99, Police Act 2020: When a person is called upon to aid and assist a police officer who is, while in the discharge of his duty, assaulted or resisted, and the person refuses or neglects to aid, the person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for a term of three months, or both,” Mr Adejobi explained.
He further cited Section 98 of the same act, which imposes a fine of N500,000 or six months imprisonment for obstructing or assaulting an officer in the line of duty.
Additionally, Section 42 mandates citizens to assist judges, magistrates, or police officers when reasonably requested in arresting or preventing the escape of suspects.
This statement followed the circulation of a viral video showing a confrontation between a woman and a police officer, highlighting the importance of public cooperation with law enforcement.
