The Cross River State Police Command has warned members of the public against assaulting, obstructing or resisting police officers while they are carrying out their lawful duties.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, issued the warning on Thursday in Calabar, stressing that police officers routinely put themselves at risk while responding to emergencies, preventing crime and protecting lives and property.
Eitokpah expressed concern over what he described as increasing incidents of officers being assaulted or violently resisted in the course of their duties.
He reminded Nigerians that Section 98 of the Police Act 2020 makes it an offence to assault, obstruct or resist a police officer while the officer is performing lawful duties. According to him, anyone convicted under the provision may face a fine of N500,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The police spokesman, however, stressed that respect for law enforcement did not mean officers were exempt from accountability.
He advised citizens who believe they have been subjected to unlawful arrest, abuse of power or other violations by police officers to pursue complaints through lawful channels, including the National Human Rights Commission, rather than resorting to violence.
Eitokpah said citizens and police officers were both subject to the law, adding that disagreements with officers should be handled through appropriate legal procedures.
He also urged police personnel to conduct themselves professionally and respect the dignity and rights of citizens during their interactions with the public.
According to him, building public confidence in the police requires responsibility from both officers and members of the public, with the rule of law serving as the basis for resolving disputes.
