My Naija News - Is 'Citizen's Arrest' Possible in Nigeria?

You are here:

Is 'Citizen's Arrest' Possible in Nigeria?

Written by Tessa Doghor

Tuesday, 26 August 2008

One of the rights of a Nigerian citizen is the right to make a citizen’s arrest; whether it’s the criminal on the street, a policeman or any crazy official making extraneous and ludicrous claims. A citizen’s arrest means an arrest carried out on the criminal a civilian.

Encarta’s dictionary simply puts it as an arrest by a citizen. A citizen's arrest is usually just an emergency measure to stop a suspect until the appropriate authorities can take over that situation. A detailed description and license plate number is of great help.

Here is a simple way to make a citizens arrest:

Firstly, notify authorities. It is strongly recommneded to consider the possibility of phoning in a complaint or tip, since you may be putting themselves or others in more danger than necessary by making a citizen's arrest. This would be after evaluating situation clearly and considering the severity of the crime being committed. When it comes to arresting the individual, tell suspects loudly and forcefully to stop what they're doing. If they have a weapon, tell them to put it down. (Can you imagine this happening in Nigeria without someone seriously getting hurt, I mean especially when you know the police would not turn up).

Think twice about making a citizen's arrest of an armed subject. Tell the suspect that they're under citizen's arrest and that they're not allowed to leave until a police officer comes and that they can explain the situation to the police when they arrive. Be firm and matter-of-fact. If the suspect tries to leave, think very carefully before physically restraining the suspect. Not only will you put yourself in physical danger, but you could be sued for use of excessive force. It may be illegal to lock up the suspect or tie him to something. You have no right to question or search the suspect, or to seize any kind of evidence.

Finally, identify yourself to the police when they arrive. When the police arrive, let them know who you are, what you saw, and why you held the suspect. Remember that you will probably need to be in court to provide eyewitness testimony for the crime, so stay calm and stick to the facts.

With all the theory memorized and kept away for a rainy day, I thought to myself, some of these rights that we have as Nigerian citizens are totally impossible to implement.

Quote this article on your site | Views: 425 | Print | E-mail

Comments (1)

	1. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 09-09-2008 12:43 - Guest
	Good stuff I have read some of your articles and feel like we are of kindred spirit. i have written quite a few articles to newspapers online using the Pseudonym Randy.pandy(non of them ever got published tho, lol I dont mind). I just makes me feel good to have my little soap box moment and expend the urge to say or do something about the mess we find our nation Nigeria in. It would be nice to chat to someone who seems to be of a pan Nigerianist and conscious mind set. This isnt meant as a comment(feel free to publish though if it takes your fancy). I will look forward to hearing, learning and sharing with you. Best Regards, Rowland

Write Comment

Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to Refresh your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code.
Name:
E-mail
Title:
Comment:
Code:*
	I wish to be contacted by email regarding additional comments

Last Updated ( Friday, 29 August 2008 )

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]