ROBBERY AND FIREARMS (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) ACT
Act · Security
An Act establishes special criminal provisions for armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms, including the death penalty and mandatory sentences. It targets individuals involved in these crimes and special police squads. This deters violent crime in Nigeria.
ROBBERY AND FIREARMS (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act prescribing special criminal provisions including the death penalty and mandatory minimum sentences for armed robbery and offences involving unlawful possession of firearms in Nigeria.
Who Does It Target?
Persons charged with armed robbery Persons unlawfully possessing or carrying firearms Special Robbery Squads under the Police Federal High Court and High Courts trying robbery cases
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Deter violent crime by imposing severe mandatory sentences including death for armed robbery, and provide special procedures for trial of robbery and firearms offences.
Key Features
Death Penalty for Armed Robbery: Armed robbery resulting in death or grievous bodily harm carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. Mandatory Sentences: Prescribes mandatory minimum sentences for robbery and firearms offences. Special Tribunal: Armed robbery cases may be tried by special tribunals with expedited procedures. Firearms Penalties: Unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm carries severe mandatory penalties.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide Beneficiaries: Public safety; crime victims Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Persons arrested for armed robbery must be charged within 24 hours Accused have constitutional right to legal representation Bail is not available for capital offences under this Act Application method: Criminal matters under this Act handled by State High Courts or Federal High Court.
Important Terms
The death penalty is still operational in Nigeria for capital robbery offences Trial by Special Tribunal involves shortened procedures The Act does not override constitutional rights including the right to fair hearing
Official Resources
Website: https://www.agf.gov.ng Contact: Office of the Attorney General of the Federation
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Criminal Code Act Cap C38 LFN 2004, the Penal Code Act (Northern states), the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the Arms and Ammunition Act Cap A29 LFN 2004, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.