Refusal to Assist Police Officers Under Attack Could Lead to Fines and Jail Time, NPF Warns
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned that failing to assist police officers under attack is a punishable offence that carries a fine of up to ₦100,000 and a prison term of up to three months,Thecable reports.
In a statement shared on Sunday via X (formerly Twitter), the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, emphasized the legal obligation of citizens to support police officers in distress.
Quoting provisions of the Police Act 2020, Adejobi wrote:
“Section 98: A person who assaults, obstructs, or resists a police officer in the discharge of their duty, or aids or incites another to do so, commits an offence. Upon conviction, such a person is liable to a fine of ₦500,000, imprisonment for six months, or both.”
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He continued:
“Section 99: If a person is called upon to aid and assist a police officer who, while discharging their duty, is assaulted, resisted, or in danger of such, and the person refuses or neglects to help, they commit an offence. Upon conviction, they are liable to a fine of ₦100,000, imprisonment for three months, or both.”
Adejobi also referenced Section 42 of the Police Act, which states:
“A person is obligated to assist a judge, magistrate, police officer, or any other authorized individual in arresting or preventing the escape of a suspect when reasonably called upon to do so.”
The statement was issued following the circulation of a viral video depicting a confrontation between a woman and a police officer, highlighting concerns about public resistance or non-cooperation with law enforcement.
The NPF’s reminder underscores the importance of public cooperation in maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of officers carrying out their duties.
