Section 56 Nigeria Police Act

Section 56 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 is about Action after search is carried out. It is under Part VII (Powers of Police Officers) of the Act. It provides as follows:

(1) An officer who has carried out a search shall make a written record unless it is not practicable to do so, including situations where the number of persons to be searched is large or in situations involving public disorder.

(2) The records shall be completed and signed by the officer and person being searched on the spot and a copy to be given to the person being searched or the vehicle driver if it is a vehicle.

(3) Subject to subsection (2), in case the search record is not available on the spot, the officer that carried out the search shall advise the person searched or the driver of the vehicle searched, of the police station the person may pick up the search record.

(4) A searched person may refuse to collect a search record that his signature is not appended on.

(5) Where the person to be searched is unwilling to provide detailed information about himself, the officer may not detain him, he shall be allowed to go unless unlawful items are found in his possession or in the vehicle searched.