Why You Could Be Jailed for Refusing To Help Police Officer In Distress | READ DETAILS

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern warning to citizens about the legal consequences of refusing to assist police officers under attack. According to the Police Act 2020, individuals who neglect their civic duty to aid officers in distress risk facing a 100,000 fine, up to three months imprisonment, or both.

Muyiwa Adejobi, the NPF spokesperson, shared this clarification via a tweet on Sunday, citing specific sections of the Police Act.

"Section 98 of the Police Act 2020 states that anyone who assaults, obstructs, or resists a police officer in the discharge of their duties, or encourages others to do so, commits an offence and is liable to a fine of 500,000 or six months imprisonment, or both, Adejobi said.

He further referenced Section 99, which explicitly addresses the refusal to assist officers under attack. "When a person is called upon to aid and assist a police officer who is assaulted or in danger, and that person refuses, they commit an offence. On conviction, they face a fine of 100,000, imprisonment for three months, or both, he added.

Adejobi highlighted Section 42, which extends this obligation to aiding judges, magistrates, or any authorized personnel in preventing a suspect's escape.

The statement follows a viral video showing a heated confrontation between a woman and a police officer, raising concerns about public cooperation with law enforcement.

The NPF spokesperson reiterated the importance of citizens supporting officers in distress, emphasizing that such assistance is not just a moral obligation but also a legal requirement under the Police Act 2020.

This development underscores the need for public awareness of the legal implications of neglecting police officers in critical situations.