The Adamawa State Police Command has advised members of the public to report cases of police misconduct through appropriate channels rather than engage in physical confrontation with officers.

The warning was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, in a statement shared on Facebook on Tuesday.

Nguroje cautioned that fighting a police officer, even when a person believes they are innocent, could expose them to multiple criminal charges.

“What is the essence of you fighting a police officer?” the statement read.

He stressed that police officers are law enforcement agents and that physical resistance could attract serious legal consequences.

“Police officers are law enforcement agents. If you fight them physically, you’re opening yourself to multiple charges,” he said.

According to the police spokesperson, such charges may include assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and obstructing a police officer while carrying out lawful duties.

The command cited relevant provisions of the Criminal Code Act and the Police Act 2020, which spell out penalties for resisting or obstructing public officers.

Section 197 of the Criminal Code Act provides that any person who obstructs or resists a public officer in the execution of lawful duties is liable to imprisonment for up to two years.

Similarly, Section 42 of the Police Act 2020 states that citizens are legally bound to assist judges, magistrates, police officers, or other authorised persons in arresting suspects or preventing their escape.

The police also referenced Section 98 of the Police Act 2020, which stipulates that assaulting, obstructing, or resisting a police officer in the discharge of lawful duty attracts a fine of ₦500,000, imprisonment for six months, or both.

In addition, Section 99 of the Act provides that refusal or neglect to aid a police officer in danger may result in a fine of ₦100,000, imprisonment for three months, or both.

The command urged residents to remain law-abiding and to use established complaint mechanisms to address grievances against police officers.