BREAKING: Police Can Break Doors to Arrest Uncooperative Suspects – Force Deputy PRO

BREAKING: Police Can Break Doors to Arrest Uncooperative Suspects – Force Deputy PRO

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified its powers regarding the arrest of suspects, stating that officers are legally permitted to break doors and gain entry when a suspect refuses to cooperate.

The Force Deputy Public Relations Officer made this revelation while addressing concerns about how far the police can go in carrying out lawful arrests. According to him, the law empowers officers to use reasonable force to access a premises if a suspect deliberately resists arrest or refuses to open their doors.

> “If the police come to arrest a suspect and he refuses to open the door, the law allows us to break in and effect the arrest. What matters is that the arrest is lawful and in line with due process,” he explained.

The statement comes amid rising public debates on police powers and citizens’ rights, especially in cases where arrests involve private residences.

Legal experts, however, emphasize that while the police have this authority, it must be exercised cautiously and within the confines of the law, to avoid abuse and unnecessary violations of fundamental human rights.