This clarification was contained in a press statement titled ‘HEALTH CARE FOR ACCIDENT AND GUN-SHOT VICTIMS’ signed and issued by the PPRO, DSP Kamal Datti Abubakar on Monday.
The statement contained that, “the Bauchi State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that, accident or gunshot victims do not require Police clearance before receiving medical treatment.
However, when such incidence happens, the matter should be reported immediately to the Police as clearly stated under Section 4 of Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act 1984″.
According to him, the Act states thus:- Offences relating to sheltering and treating an armed robber, (1) It shall be an offence punishable under this Act for any person to knowingly house, shelter, or give quarters to any person who has committed an offence under section 1 (2) of this Act”.
(2) It shall be the duty of any person, hospital or clinic that admits, treats or administers any drug to any person suspected of having bullet wounds to immediately report the matter to the police. (3) Any
(a) Person who; or
(b) hospital or clinic which, fails to report as stipulated in subsection (2) of this section shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.
(4) A person convicted of an offence under subsections (1) and (3) of this section shall be Iiable- (a) In the case of an individual, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; and
(b) In the case of a hospital or clinic, to a fine of N10,000.00 and in addition the hospital or clinic shall be closed down.
“Consequently, the Command, therefore, calls on all hospitals, clinics and other members of the general public to strictly adhere to the above statement please” the PPRO further pleads.
and then