The Nigeria Police Force has continued to share important information and tips on how members of the public can forster cordial relationship with the Police Force.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said this in a statement on Monday titled, ‘(Part 2) Tips For Safe And Cordial Conduct During An Arrest,’
“if an officer is about to search a citizen or a property, that citizen has the right to first search the policeman in order to ensure that no evidence is planted.”
The NPF also disclosed that Nigerians have the right to demand to know the reason for their arrest whenever an arrest is about to be made.
The Force spokesman further stated that in some instances, Nigerians have the right to demand that an arrest warrant is presented before allowing themselves to be apprehended.
The statement reads in part:
“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.
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)”.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Monday, May 12, on its official twitter page also called on Nigerians never to resist arrest, even if it seems unjustified and seek redress later, and that one can demand to know the reason for an arrest in a polite manner. It also counselled Nigerians to never interfere in the arrest of a third party.
According to the statement, the Police may ask one to perform some tests such as walking in a straight line if a person is pulled over on suspicion of being drunk or high on drugs.
”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.”
A Nigerian also has the right to decline writing a statement upon arrest.
The police also said an arrested person should inform the officer about their health condition especially if urgent medical attention is needed. It added that an arrest warrant should be demanded, but added that not all arrest situations require a warrant.
”*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.”
