A RECENT incident in Delta State has ignited a debate over the legal boundaries of police authority and citizens’ rights concerning access to private residences.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, addressed the issue following a viral video showing young men denying entry to individuals dressed as police officers.
In the video, the occupants, identifying themselves as content creators, expressed apprehension about the masked, armed individuals attempting to enter their premises. One of the armed men discharged a firearm into the air before gaining access by scaling the fence.
Reacting to the footage, Edafe clarified the Nigeria Police Force’s stance on the use of masks and citizens’ obligations.
He stated, “Wearing a mask as a policeman is a red flag and it’s not allowed in policing.” However, he also emphasized, “We all should stop thinking that it is right to lock the police either outside or inside; that’s another offense on its own.”
He further noted that the incident is under investigation to determine its specifics.
This situation underscores the delicate balance between upholding citizens’ rights and ensuring law enforcement officers can perform their duties effectively. The Nigeria Police Act 2020 provides guidance on this matter. Section 98 of the Act states that assaulting, obstructing, or resisting a police officer in the discharge of their duty can result in a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for six months, or both.
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Additionally, Section 99 specifies that refusing to assist a police officer under assault or in danger can lead to a fine of N100,000 or a three-month prison term, or both.
The incident also raises concerns about the appearance and identification of police officers during operations. The use of masks by the individuals in question led to confusion and fear among the residents. While the Nigeria Police Force has mandated the use of face masks as a protective measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, the wearing of masks that obscure identity, especially during operations, is prohibited to maintain transparency and public trust.
