Police dey chase suspect. The suspect run straight towards where you dey sit or stand.
Officer shout, “Help me hold am!”
You fold your hand. You face the other side. You say, “Wetin concern me?” Suspect escape.
My brother, my sister, the law no see that as minding your business na crîmê you don commit so.
Under the Police Act 2020, if a police officer on duty reasonably calls on you to help arrest a suspect or stop him from escaping, you are bound to assist. That is Section 42.
If that officer is being resisted, or is in d@nger of being assâulted or resisted, and you refuse or neglect to help, that is an offence under Section 99.
Fine of ₦100,000, or three months in prîsôn, or both.
Block him, f!ght the officer, or help the suspect run, and Section 98 is heavier: ₦500,000, or six months, or both.
Police may not always feel like your friend. The law still put that duty on you.
Know the law. No be every “e no concern me” wey go end as spectator.
Ref: Sections 42, 98 and 99, Police Act 2020.