The Nigerian Police Force has issued a stern warning to citizens, urging them to cooperate with public officers in the execution of their lawful duties.
In a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi and shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the police underscored key sections of the Criminal Code Act and the Police Act 2020 that specify penalties for obstructing or resisting public officers.
According to Section 197 of the Criminal Code Act, anyone who obstructs or resists a public officer performing their duties faces up to two years in prison.
Additionally, Section 42 of the Police Act 2020 obligates citizens to assist judges, magistrates, police officers, or authorised persons in arresting or preventing the escape of suspects.
The police also highlighted Section 98 of the Police Act 2020, which states that assaulting, obstructing, or resisting a police officer in their duty is punishable by a fine of ₦500,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both. Section 99 adds that failing to assist a police officer in danger can lead to a fine of ₦100,000, three months’ imprisonment, or both.
Adejobi stated:
“Section 197 of the Criminal Code Act: Resisting public officers
Any person who obstructs or resists any public officer in the discharge of their duties under any order, Act, law, or statute is guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment for two years.”
“Section 42 of the Police Act 2020: A person is bound to assist a judge, magistrate, or police officer in arresting or preventing the escape of a suspect authorised for arrest.”
“Section 98 Police Act 2020: Assaulting, obstructing, or resisting a police officer in duty incurs a fine of ₦500,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both.”
“Section 99 Police Act 2020: Failing to aid a police officer in danger attracts a fine of ₦100,000, three months’ imprisonment, or both.”