The Nigeria Police Force, Cross River State Command, has called for greater respect for lawful police authority while urging citizens to seek legal redress when they believe officers have violated their rights. The command's spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, made the call in an article titled "Protect the People Behind the Badge: Respect the Rule of Law." This article comes after a recent incident in Calabar where a police constable was assaulted by a mob.
The incident occurred on 15 September around Goldie by Etim Edem Lane after someone alerted officers that a police officer was being attacked. The officer was subsequently rescued and taken to a police station. The command said 60 suspects were arrested during subsequent operations in the area, while efforts continued to identify others who may have participated in the alleged assault. Eitokpah argued that attacks on police officers performing their duties should not be normalised.
Eitokpah cited Section 98 of the Police Act 2020, which makes it an offence to assault, obstruct or resist a police officer in the discharge of the officer's duty. The provision stipulates a fine of N500,000, imprisonment for six months, or both upon conviction. He stressed that respect for the police should not be interpreted as immunity from accountability.
Eitokpah pointed to Nigeria's human rights framework, including avenues for complaints through the National Human Rights Commission, as mechanisms available to citizens seeking redress. He urged citizens who believe an arrest is unlawful or that an officer has engaged in misconduct to pursue the matter through appropriate legal channels rather than resorting to violence.
The police spokesperson said the same principle of accountability should apply to both citizens and law enforcement officers. He urged citizens to report any alleged misconduct by police officers and seek legal redress if they believe their rights have been violated. Eitokpah also acknowledged the responsibility of police officers to exercise their authority lawfully and professionally.
The Cross River Police Command has been taking steps to promote public trust and prevent jungle justice. In July, the command launched a public sensitisation campaign against jungle justice, urging residents to hand suspected offenders to the police rather than subjecting them to violence. The command said only the courts have the authority to determine guilt and impose punishment.
Eitokpah said both citizens and police officers have roles to play in building public trust. He emphasised that effective policing and respect for human rights should not be treated as competing objectives. The way forward, according to him, is adherence to law, accountability, professionalism and mutual respect.
Key points
- Nigeria Police Force calls for respect for lawful authority and seeks legal redress for police misconduct.
- 60 suspects were arrested after a police constable was assaulted by a mob in Calabar.
- The police urge citizens to report alleged misconduct by police officers and seek legal redress.
