”Refusing to assist police in pursuit is a crime” – Barrister

A Nigerian barrister, identified as Atanda, has sparked widespread discussions online after sharing what he describes as the legal obligation of citizens to assist police officers in the course of their duties.

Legal Duty to Assist Police

In a post shared on his Facebook page, Atanda stated that when uniformed police officers are pursuing a suspect and call on passersby for help, the public has a legal responsibility to respond immediately.

He added that failure to assist can be considered a criminal offense, as refusing to help could be interpreted as aiding the escape of a criminal.

Limited Exceptions

According to Atanda, the only exceptions to this rule apply to individuals who are physically or mentally challenged, or whose health would prevent them from safely assisting police.

In such cases, citizens are not legally required to intervene.

Reference to the Law

The barrister cited Section 42 of the Police Act as the legal basis for his claims.

He also reminded the public that ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse for failing to act.

In his words: “When you see POLICE Officers on uniform, running after someone like this and they call you to help them catch the guy or block the road quickly for them to be able to catch the person running, you have a legal responsibility to stand up immediately without thinking twice and help them out.

If you refuse to help them out, it’s a crime under the law and they may leave the person they are pursuing to come get you arrest.

Your actions led to that person running away, which means you aid the escape of a criminal. The LAW has MADE POLICE YOUR FRIEND. For that reason, it’s a crime under the law to say you will not assist your friend when they call for your help.

The only exceptions you have is if you can prove 1. You are physically challenged

2. Mentally challenged

3. Your health is not strong enough to assist them.
Or else…

See you, see FR££ Stony beans.

Ref: Section 42 of the Police Act.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse.”

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