The Ogun State Police Command has urged Nigerians not to take the law into their own hands during disagreements with policemen. The warning was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, via a post on X on Thursday.

Babaseyi’s statement followed the circulation of a viral video showing a motorist trapping a policeman’s arm in a car window to prevent the officer from forcefully opening the vehicle door. The short, 15-second video, which appears undated, showed at least four other policemen surrounding the vehicle. The cause of the dispute could not be confirmed.

Commenting on the incident, Babaseyi said the motorist’s actions were unlawful and could result in criminal charges, particularly if the officer sustained injuries.

He explained, “Deliberately trapping a police officer’s hand in a car window while the officer is performing lawful duty amounts to assault and obstruction of a public officer under the Criminal Code Act and the Police Act 2020. It is an unlawful act against a fellow human being carrying out lawful responsibilities and may attract criminal charges, especially if injury occurs.”

Babaseyi advised the public to report any misconduct by policemen through the Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit, a 24/7 service established to receive and resolve complaints of police misconduct, corruption, and brutality, rather than resorting to self-help.