CRIMINAL LAW — Citizens’ Duty — Reporting Crime to Police — Liability of Citizen
Principle Statement
Generally, it is the duty of citizens of this country to report cases of commission of crime to the Police for their investigation and what happens after such report is entirely the responsibility of the Police. The citizens cannot be held culpable for doing their civic duty unless it is shown that it is done mala fide.
Ratio Decidendi (Source)
Per Ogebe, JSC, in Fajemirokun v. Commercial Bank Nig. Ltd. & Anor (2009) NLC-123-336-2002(SC) at pp. 3; Paras B–C.
"Generally, it is the duty of citizens of this country to report cases of commission of crime to the Police for their investigation and what happens after such report is entirely the responsibility of the Police. The citizens cannot be held culpable for doing their civic duty unless it is shown that it is done mala fide."
Explanation / Scope
This principle establishes that citizens have a duty to report crimes to the Police, and they cannot be held liable for doing so unless the report was made mala fide (in bad faith). The Police are responsible for what happens after the report. The principle applies where a citizen is sued for reporting a crime. It protects citizens who act in good faith. The principle reflects the civic duty to assist law enforcement. It encourages citizens to report crimes without fear of liability. The court must determine if the report was made mala fide. The principle provides guidance on the liability of citizens for reporting crimes.
