PPRO Cites Six-Month Jail Term, N500,000 Fine Under Police Act
The Cross River State Police Command has urged Nigerians to stop assaulting or obstructing police officers carrying out their lawful duties.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, made the call while speaking with The PUNCH in Calabar on Thursday.
Eitokpah expressed concern over increasing cases of assault, obstruction and violent resistance against officers, saying such actions undermine law enforcement and public order.
He said police officers risk their lives daily to respond to emergencies, prevent crime, protect lives and property, and maintain public safety.
The PPRO reminded the public that Section 98 of the Police Act 2020 makes it an offence to assault, obstruct or resist a police officer in the discharge of his duties. He said the offence is punishable by a fine of N500,000, imprisonment for six months, or both.
However, Eitokpah stressed that respect for police authority does not give officers immunity from accountability.
He advised citizens who believe an officer has acted unlawfully, abused power or violated their rights to report the matter and seek lawful redress through appropriate channels, including the National Human Rights Commission.
“No citizen is above the law, just as no police officer is above the law,” he said.
Eitokpah urged citizens to avoid violence even when they disagree with police actions, while charging officers to act professionally and respect the dignity and rights of citizens.
He said protecting police officers and protecting citizens were not opposing objectives, but essential to building a society governed by law rather than force.