Many Nigerians still believe you need a lawyer, connections, or money before the police will take your complaint seriously. That is false.
Under Nigerian law, the police are legally required to receive complaints and document them properly. Knowing the correct process can completely change how officers respond to you.
Here are the exact steps most Nigerians do not know. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Before You Go
Write everything down carefully before entering the station.
Include:
- Dates
- Names
- Locations
- What happened
- Any conversations or threats connected to the incident
Bring every piece of evidence available:
- Screenshots
- Photos
- Medical reports
- Receipts
- Witnesses
- Videos or audio recordings where applicable
Prepared people are harder to dismiss.
Step 1 — Go To The Right Police Station
Report at the police station within the division where the incident happened.
Under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, police officers are required to receive complaints brought before them and record them properly in the Police Diary.
Turning a complainant away is not supposed to be an option.
Step 2 — Ask For The Duty Officer Specifically
Walk to the counter and say clearly:
“I am here to make a formal complaint. I need it recorded in the Crime Diary.”
Those words immediately signal that you understand the process and your legal rights.
In many stations, that changes the entire tone of the conversation.
Step 3 — Make Your Statement
State only the facts.
Avoid exaggeration, emotional outbursts, or assumptions. Be direct and specific.
Once your statement is written:
- Read it carefully
- Correct any errors immediately
- Sign only after confirming everything is accurate
The ACJA also provides procedures for recording statements properly and ensuring complaints are documented officially.
Request a copy of your statement immediately after signing.
Step 4 — Demand Your Case Number
Ask directly:
“What is my case number?”
Write it down immediately.
Take a photograph if possible.
That number is your proof that the complaint officially exists in police records. Without documentation, following up later becomes difficult.
Step 5 — If Anyone Demands Money
Stay calm.
Do not argue or become aggressive.
Instead:
- Ask for the officer’s full name
- Ask for their badge number
- Write it down where they can see you doing it
Then escalate the complaint through the proper channels:
- Police Service Commission
- National Human Rights Commission
- The Commissioner of Police in your state
One formal report containing a name and badge number can force accountability very quickly.
Know Your Rights
Under the Nigeria Police Force Police Act 2020, receiving complaints from citizens is part of the legal responsibilities of the police.
You are not asking for a favour.
You are exercising a legal right guaranteed under Nigerian law.