A Nigerian legal practitioner, Atanda, has ignited widespread debate after asserting that citizens are legally obligated to assist police officers when called upon during the course of their duties.
In a Facebook post, the barrister referenced Police Act 2020, specifically Section 42, as the legal foundation for his claim. According to him, when uniformed police officers are chasing a suspect and request help from bystanders—such as blocking a road or helping to apprehend the individual—members of the public have a legal duty to respond immediately.
He argued that refusing to assist could amount to a criminal offense, as such inaction may be interpreted as aiding the escape of a suspect. Atanda further warned that officers may abandon their pursuit to arrest anyone who deliberately refuses to help.
However, he clarified that there are exceptions. Individuals who are physically challenged, mentally incapacitated, or whose health conditions prevent them from safely assisting are not legally required to intervene.
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 arrested.
Your actions led to that person running away, which means you aid the escape of a criminal.
The only exceptions you have is if you can prove:
You are physically challenged
Mentally challenged
Your health is not strong enough to assist them.
Ref: Section 42 of the Police Act.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse.”
His comments have since generated mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that civic responsibility includes assisting law enforcement, while others have raised concerns about personal safety and the practical implications of enforcing such a provision.
See below:
Published by Ejoh Caleb
