The Force Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has issued a strong warning to Nigerians regarding the possession and purchase of stolen goods.
In a statement shared on his X handle on July 19, Adejobi emphasized that receiving, keeping, or buying stolen items is a criminal offense under Nigerian law. He highlighted Section 427 of the Criminal Code Act, which outlines the legal consequences for such actions.
According to the section, any individual who receives property acquired through felony or misdemeanor, whether the act occurred in Nigeria or elsewhere, and knowing the property was obtained unlawfully, is committing a felony.
If the property was obtained through a felony, the offender faces a potential imprisonment of fourteen years. In cases involving postal matter or valuable securities, the penalty can escalate to life imprisonment. For other offenses, the punishment can be up to seven years in prison.
Adejobi’s warning stresses that merely possessing, concealing, or aiding in the disposal of stolen property can be sufficient to prove guilt. He advised against receiving or buying items whose origins are uncertain, as this could lead to serious legal repercussions.