The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has warned drivers who abduct policemen and other law enforcement agencies in the process of carrying out their duties to desist from such acts.
Adejobi stated that under no circumstances should such be the norm.
He added that drivers who would rather fight or drive off law enforcement agents who contravene their vehicles are in great violation and risk severe sanctions.
The PPRO advised that whatever the case may be, drivers are obliged to obey the officers, whether they want to take them to their stations or take over their vehicles.
He stated this on Friday in a four-minute and 27-second video shared on the NPF X account.
He said, “Now, we want to speak on this recent development we’ve been experiencing where our police officers and other law enforcement agents who contravene vehicles—they sit in the vehicle for the purpose of taking it to their offices—but we notice that these drivers always abduct them.
“(They zoom off with them) They take these officers away. It is wrong. It is very, very wrong. Let us avoid certain things because we need to manage a situation like this. Once you have been contravened, please comply with them—not only the police but also other law enforcement agencies.
“We have seen cases where Federal Road Safety Corps officers contravene vehicles and drivers manhandle them. We’ve seen evident cases where state-owned traffic and road agencies contravene vehicles, and drivers beat them and/or take them away. This is not too good.
“Once you have violated traffic law and your vehicle has been contravened, you are to follow them. You are to comply. You are obliged to obey the instructions of these law enforcement officers.
“Don’t abduct our officers. Don’t take them away. Follow them wherever they are taking you—most especially their bases, units, and offices.”
Adejobi also stated that making complaints to appropriate quarters and channels is also important rather than taking laws into one’s own hands.
“And of course, if you notice you are not so comfortable with that—probably because they have gone beyond their boundaries and they have violated the standard operating procedures of their organisations—particularly operatives of the Nigeria Police Force—you have the number of all our (states) PROs.
“You have our social media platforms and handles at your fingertips. Reach out to us to complain, whatever the case may be,” he added.
Also, he spoke on the danger and possible accidents that such an act could portend, which he advised should be avoided.
The FPRO continued, “We have seen cases where police officers and the drivers are struggling with the wheels. We have seen cases where somebody carries law enforcement agents on the bonnet of the vehicle and zooms off with them as if he is a nobody.
“Let us respect them. I know respect is reciprocal. If you notice any of them misbehaving, whether from the police or other law enforcement agencies, please contact the mother agency. They are going to address your matter, but please don’t take the law into your hands.”
Adejobi warned against tarnishing the nation’s image among its peers and in the world at large.
“Don’t embarrass these men in uniform. Don’t attack them. They are outside there to ensure there is proper and adequate maintenance of the law. If you manhandle them, it is a disgrace to our national endowment, heritage, and integrity.
“If you rubbish these people, you rubbish the Federal Republic of Nigeria because they are in uniform.
“And we want to appeal to you just so you know that if you do such a thing, it is a criminal offence. It is a disservice to this nation. Respect them. They will respect you. Once they contravene your vehicle, oblige with them. If you cannot settle it there, follow them to where they want to take you.
“Don’t abduct our security operatives. It is not proper. It is condemnable, and it is a punishable offence under the law,” he appealed.
In conclusion, Adejobi preached love and tolerance and enjoined all road users to desist, warning that issues like that are punishable under the law.
“Let us love one another. Let us tolerate ourselves. Let’s act according to the provisions of the law. Let us be law-abiding as patriotic citizens of Nigeria. We love you all, and that is why we are outside to do the job.
“We want to ensure your safety, protect your dignity, and safeguard your human rights. Please cooperate with us. Let us avoid unnecessary conflicts on the road. Most of the videos and audio captured on the road as they make their way to social media are embarrassing to us in this country. We can stop it,” he urged road users.
