‘Six months imprisonment for assault on officers’ — highlights of police reform bill

On Wednesday, the senate passed a bill seeking to reform the Nigeria police force.

The bill was passed on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Wednesday after Tijjani Kaura, chairman of the police affairs committee, presented a report.

While moving for the bill to be passed, Kaura said during a public hearing, stakeholders were divided over the appointment of inspector-general of the police (IGP) subject to approval of the senate.

The police committee chairman said stakeholders made a strong case for community policing.

” [It was recommended] that the establishment of community police is strongly recommended,” the lawmaker said.

“That the tenure of the office of the inspector-general of police should be a single four-year term which will make for a second tenure.”

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.