Obstructing Officers On Duty Leads To 2-Year Jail Term – Police
The spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has reiterated the legal consequences of obstructing public officers in the course of their duties.
In a statement released on Sunday, Adejobi reminded Nigerians that resisting or obstructing a public officer performing official duties is a criminal offence punishable under the law.
Citing Section 197 of the Criminal Code Act, he emphasized that such an offence is classified as a misdemeanour, carrying a penalty of up to two years imprisonment.
Adejobi further urged citizens to familiarize themselves with the laws, pointing out similar provisions in the Police Act 2020.
The statement reads, “KNOW THE LAW AND BE GUIDED.
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“Section 197 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria. Resisting public officers.
Any person who in any manner obstructs or resists any public officer while engaged in the discharge or attempted discharge of the duties of his office under any order, Act, law, or Statute, or obstructs or resists any person while engaged in the discharge or attempted discharge of any duty imposed on him by an order, Act, law, or statute, is guilty of a misdemeanour and is 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 or other person reasonably demanding his aid in arresting or preventing the escape of a suspect whom the judge, magistrate, police officer or other person is authorized to arrest.
“Section 98 Police Act 2020. A person who assaults, obstructs or resists a police officer in the discharge of his duty, or aids or incites any other person to assault, obstruct or resist a police officer or other person aiding or assisting the police officer in the discharge of his duty commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of six months or both.
“Section 99, Police Act 2020. When a person is called upon to aid and assist a police officer who is, while in the discharge of his duty, assaulted or resisted or in danger of being assaulted or resisted, and the person refuses or neglects to aid and assist, the person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for a term of three months or both.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
