The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in a sensitization post on social media, has cautioned Nigerians to never resist arrest by police officers even if they perceive the arrest is illegal.

Noting that arrest situations can easily turn violent if not well handled, the Force warned Nigerians that resisting arrest, which is an offence on its own, can portray the subject as a hostile citizen and the situation may escalate into an unfavourable one.

Read the Full Statement below:

Arrest situations can easily turn violent. If not properly handled, it can portray you as a hostile person or give the impression that you are resisting arrest which on its own constitutes an offence, therefore:

Do not resist arrest. Even if you believe that the arrest is illegal or uncalled for, allow the arrest to take place without any incident. Note that resisting arrest could lead to an encounter that might result in harm, injuries and/or permanent disabilities or death to you or even the officer arresting you. It is therefore better to allow the arrest to take place without an incident and thereafter seek redress and appropriate sanction against the defaulting officer through a legitimate process.

Politely demand to know the reason for your arrest. It is your right to know. Also, where the officers have not disclosed their identity, courteously request their identity and where they came from, or the office where they work.

On arrest, it is within the powers of the police to do any of the following:

-Search your body, clothing and other belongings

– On the highway, the police may search your vehicle if you were in it at the time they stopped you.

– May ask you to write and sign a statement. It is however your right to decline, especially if you feel that doing so will implicate you.

– The Police may ask you to perform some tests such as walking in a straight line. This is so when they suspect you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, particularly in the absence of breathalyses or other forensic aids.

– Handcuff you if you are violent or show propensity to escape.

Always let the officers know your health challenge (if any) after arrest. This is important in case you may need immediate medical attention, particularly asthmatic patients, persons with history of epilepsy, high blood pressure, diabetes especially those on insulin etc.

You should immediately make full disclosures. *Demand to see the warrant of arrest where necessary (Note however that not all invitation/arrest requires a warrant). As a matter of fact, under our laws, the Police have wide powers to arrest without warrant in many circumstances.

Politely request that the officers allow you inform a trusted friend or a family member or a lawyer, soon after your arrest in order to avoid unnecessary apprehension as to your whereabouts or safety.

If the arrest requires the officer to conduct a search on you, demand to see the Search Warrant and comply with all legitimate instruction during the search (Note that there are a lot of instances where a policeman can search you with or without warrant)

You may politely request that the officer be searched before searching you. Often times, this helps to allay fears that someone may be trying to “plant” incriminating items on you or implicate you in any other way.

Don’t obstructively interfere or intervene when a third party is being arrested. Be careful as you may not know the details and seriousness of the charge against the person. *Do not use your phone indiscriminately while being arrested.

Willingly follow the officers to the station. It may be indicative that you have nothing to hide. In addition, this voluntary action of yours will eliminate any possibility of the arresting Officer resorting to the use of “Minimal or Reasonable force” to elicit your compliance.

On a lighter note, but also seriously speaking, every encounter with the police, including an arrest/invitation scenario is an opportunity to learn more about the Police, the security community, ur rights and privileges & make friends with them. Please make effective use of it!

https://lailasnews.com/do-not-resist-arrest-even-if-illegal-nigeria-police-warn-nigerians/

Nice one

This sort of advice should only be taken seriously in saner societies , and not in Nigeria where lawlessness is practiced by those who are supposed to uphold the law .

In other words d Police authorities are simply telling Nigerians to do wateva d Police asks dem to do wen dey oppress us.
Wen dey stop U on d road and ask for "cola " it's illegal but do not resist.
Wen dey tag U a Yahoo boy and ask for ur atm it's illegal but do not resist.
Wen dey start molesting U on d road for asking questions like "Wetin I Do" , Its illegal but do not resist.
D Police authorities are jus not helping matters at all.. Anarchy here we come

Wat a shithole full of decayed remains are u spilling sir Is that a solution Wat effrontery ...why wuld ur minions arrest any1 illegally in the 1st place Wats wrng with this ppl tho This is the height or incompetency!!!

Upton:
Nice one

Sir.... What is Nice Here

MAXIMAL123:
Sir....
What is Nice Here

You don't resist arrest anywhere in the world na. Illegal arrest happens everywhere in the world but you have to remain calm

Shithole

Ogun kill them all even if it is Illegal so you all know most arrests are illegals

Na dey crazy

The Lawlessness in this country is coming to a head.


has anybody noticed that the police only shoot southerners with impunity.
They never shoot Northerners like that

Reason why we need to break this country.

K

Once dey got hold of your trouser belt if You like resist till tomorrow You cannot escape from entering their danfo

There's no need to resist arrest, whether right or wrong, do not argue in the face of guns or poorly trained police officers. You've only got one life, do not let a frustrated soul take yours away!

Simple as that

Rubbish
The Nigerian government and the Nigerian police are mad.
Can the police do this on any top government officials and their family members?
If no then they are mad.
The laws of this countries are for the poor and average Nigerians .
Make money and you won't have to worry about this this bullcrapshit.

Are they tryna copy police moves from developed countries?

What type of talk is this?

Dear Nigerians, until we start fighting back these robbers in uniform, this nonsense won't stop.

What annoys me in Port Harcourt is when people see where someone is being maltreated by policemen, everyone moves on as if nothing is happening. Las las, they stand very far and be watching.

We the youths of Nigeria do not have sense. I pity for our unborn generations

The NPF has beeen so garrulous lately...

common sense,

dont resist any one with an assault riffle even if you think you are older, smarter or richer than the person.

Hoodbilonia:
Time to get ma own steel
21 in a clip,extra heat
Fuc wit me
Id go deep
Down to ma waistline
Trust me i wont waste time
I'd Blazt u up to your teeth
Npf u nothing but a cheat

so how much do you think one cost?

With a gun, of course I won't resist

ediotic zoo policemen keep disgracing themselves..how will u even arrest innocent people in the first place...nonsense and failed Nigerian police force


did anyone notice the statement completely failed to give example of where the zoo police can arrest without warrant

But not with Nigerian Police?

We are officially fvcked in this country. The lawlessness is becoming bold and daring.

politely ask wat....

that is if u even have the chance to be polite talk more of asking