Assault on Officers result to 6 months Imprisonment, things you need to know about the Nigerian Police Reform Bill

On Wednesday, the senate passed a bill seeking to reform the Nigeria police force in a statement received by VAM News.

Nigeria Police Force

Here are highlights of the police reform bill:

Clause 4 (c) says the president shall appoint the inspector-general of police from the recommended applicants subject to the confirmation of senate.

Clause 6 (a) says the president shall remove the inspector-general from office for his inability to effectively perform the functions of his office. (b) for gross misconduct. (c) where the president is satisfied that is in no longer in the interest of the police force or public for inspector-general to continue in office.

Clause 23 provides for the establishment of a police fund.

Clause 96 provides that anyone who assaults a police officer, obstructs or resists a police officer is liable to a fine of N100,000 or six months imprisonment.

Clause 98 prohibits the taking of liquor or intoxicating substance while on duty. Punishment prescribed for such offence is a fine of N20,000 or three months imprisonment.

Clause 99 prohibits the impersonation of police officers. Punishment prescribed for such offence under this clause is a fine of N300,000 or three years imprisonment or both.

Clause 100 prohibits the entry of the police force with forged certificate. Punishment prescribed for the offence is a fine of N500,000 or three months imprisonment.

Clause 103 provides for the establishment of community police forum.

Also, VAM News confirmed that these are the 7 things you need to know about the NIGERIA POLICE REFORM BILL

1. The establishment of a service-oriented and modern Police that will meet globally acceptable policing standards in a democratic setting.

2. The modernization of the current Police Force (which was conceptualized and established in the Colonial environment to protect colonial interests) with a Police Force that is geared towards protecting and safeguarding the lives and properties of Nigerian citizens.

3. The establishment of guiding principles to ensure effective policing in Nigeria. These principles include efficiency and effectiveness; accountability, and transparency; protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms; and partnership with other security institutions.

4. Methods of dealing with abuse of weapons by police officers. The Bill also ensures that the police and police officers are held accountable in their actions especially in the areas of arrest and detention of persons and searches.

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5. Clauses that mandate record keeping by the police and clauses that ensure that citizens are fully protected from abuse by Police officers.

6. The establishment of a Community Police and Boards in all the States of the Federation that will consist of broad representatives of the community and the State to ensure effective, efficient and participatory community policing.

7. The establishment of an independent complaint authority to receive and investigate and effectively deal with complaints against police officers misconduct from the public.