Can Nigerian Police Officers Be Prosecuted for Crimes Committed on Duty?
Yes. A police uniform does not give any officer immunity from criminal prosecution in Nigeria. Officers may be investigated for alleged unlawful shootings, torture, assault, bribery, extortion or other offences committed while on duty. The Constitution protects the rights to life, dignity, personal liberty and fair hearing. The Anti-Torture Act also prohibits torture. An arrest or criminal allegation against a suspect does not permit officers to inflict punishment, demand money or use unlawful force. Whether an officer is charged depends on the evidence and the circumstances. Witness accounts, medical reports, videos, photographs, messages, firearm records and other lawful evidence may be relevant. Victims should prioritise their safety, seek medical care where needed, preserve evidence and report misconduct through appropriate complaint channels or legal representatives. Accountability does not mean punishing officers for lawful policing. It means ensuring that allegations are fairly investigated and that officers who abuse their authority are subject to the same legal standards as everyone else.
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