A Nigerian lawyer, identified as Atanda, has sparked discussions online after offering guidance on how to handle situations where someone tries to use the police to collect a debt.
Taking to his Facebook page, Atanda emphasized that owing money is a civil matter, not a criminal offense, and the police cannot legally act as debt collectors.
He outlined steps for individuals facing such unlawful actions:
- Request Police Identification: Ask the officer for their ID and take note of their name.
- Clarify the Civil Nature of the Matter: Calmly inform the officer that the issue is a civil dispute, not a criminal case.
- Comply if Arrested: If the officer insists on arresting you, comply without resistance.
- Signing Undertakings: Signing any repayment undertaking requested by the officer does not make it enforceable in court, so there is no need for fear.
After release, Atanda advised that victims should pursue legal action against both the creditor and the police officer for breach of fundamental human rights and unlawful detention, with potential claims for damages of up to ₦50 million.
He concluded with a reminder:
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse.”
This guidance has attracted attention online as a clear explanation of the limits of police authority in civil debt matters, helping Nigerians understand their rights when faced with such situations.
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Published by Ejoh Caleb
