Three-month in jail, N100K fine: Police lists penalties for ignoring officers in danger

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has warned Nigerians that refusal to assist police officers under attack could land them in jail

In a series of tweets on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi cited provisions of the Police Act 2020 on the need to aid officers in distress.

Adejobi’s statement comes amid growing public scrutiny of police-citizen relations, following a viral video that captured a heated confrontation between a woman and a police officer.

The video reignited discussions about the role of citizens in law enforcement and the often fraught relationship between Nigerians and the police.

According to Adejobi, under Section 99 of the Police Act 2020, refusing to assist a police officer facing assault or resistance while on duty is a punishable offense. The penalty? A fine of up to ₦100,000 or a three-month prison sentence—or both.

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“For those who assault or obstruct police officers outright, the punishment is even steeper,” he added, referencing Section 98 of the same Act, which prescribes a fine of ₦500,000 or six months in prison for those who attack or hinder officers in the line of duty.

The spokesperson also highlighted Section 42, which mandates citizens to assist police officers, judges, or magistrates in arresting or preventing the escape of suspects when reasonably called upon to do so.

While the law is clear, its enforcement raises questions about trust and public perception of the police. For many Nigerians, helping an officer under attack might seem risky, especially when police misconduct or abuse of power has tainted public confidence in law enforcement.

Still, Adejobi’s message is unambiguous: ignoring a police officer in danger isn’t just a moral failing; it’s a legal offense. As the viral video continues to spark debate, the NPF’s warning serves as both a call for civic responsibility and a reminder of the consequences of inaction.

In a country where mutual distrust often defines police-citizen interactions, this development raises an important question: how can the NPF bridge the gap between enforcing the law and rebuilding public trust?

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