Breaking: Nigerians Face Legal Action For Obstructing Police Arrests

 the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, highlighted this in a series of educational posts on social media on Saturday. He referenced key legal provisions, including Sections 197 of the Criminal Code Act and Sections 42 and 98 of the Police Act, 2020, urging citizens to familiarize themselves with these laws for their own benefit.

Legal Consequences of Resisting Arrest

Adejobi cited Section 197 of the Criminal Code Act, which states:
“Anyone who obstructs or resists a public officer in the discharge of their lawful duties, or resists a person performing duties imposed by law, is guilty of a misdemeanor and faces up to two years in prison.”

Duty to Assist Police

He further explained that Section 42 of the Police Act 2020 obligates citizens to assist police officers or other authorized individuals in making arrests when reasonably requested.

On the consequences of refusing to assist, as outlined in Section 99 of the Police Act, 2020, Adejobi said:
“If someone is called upon to aid a police officer under assault or resistance during an arrest and refuses, they can face a fine of ₦100,000, three months imprisonment, or both.”

Aiding Resistance of Arrest

Addressing third parties interfering with lawful arrests, Adejobi warned that individuals obstructing officers could be charged under Section 98 of the Police Act 2020.

The Police emphasized the importance of public cooperation in upholding law and order, cautioning that failure to comply could have serious legal ramifications.