How to Write a Petition to the Police in Nigeria

How to write a petition to the Police in Nigeria.

Introduction

If you believe that a person has committed a criminal offence against you or another person, you may report the matter to the Nigeria Police Force by making a complaint or writing a petition.

A police petition provides information about the alleged offence, the persons involved, the circumstances in which it occurred and the evidence that may assist an investigation.

However, a good police petition is more than a letter accusing someone of committing a crime. It should present the facts clearly, identify the conduct complained about, provide relevant evidence and explain the action being requested from the Police.

The Nigeria Police Force has statutory responsibilities that include the prevention and detection of crime, protection of life and property, maintenance of public safety and enforcement of laws. These functions are provided for under section 4 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

This article explains how to write a petition to the Police in Nigeria, what to include, how to present supporting evidence, what to request and what may happen after the petition is submitted.

What is a police petition?

A police petition is a written complaint or report submitted to the Nigeria Police Force concerning alleged criminal conduct or another matter requiring police intervention.

The petition informs the Police of the circumstances surrounding the complaint and may request an investigation into the allegations.

A petition does not, by itself, establish that the person complained against has committed an offence. The allegations still have to be assessed and, where appropriate, investigated.

The person named in the petition should therefore generally be described as the suspect, respondent or person complained against, rather than being presented as a criminal whose guilt has already been established.

Who can write a petition to the Police?

A person who has information about an alleged offence may make a complaint to the Police.

The petitioner may be:

the person directly affected by the alleged offence;
a person who witnessed the incident;
a person who has relevant information about the alleged offence;
a company or organisation;
an authorised representative; or
a lawyer acting on behalf of a client.

The petitioner does not necessarily have to be the person who suffered the loss or injury. What is important is that the information supplied should be genuine and relevant to the complaint.

What kind of matters can be reported to the Police?

The Nigeria Police Force has responsibility for the prevention and detection of crime and other functions provided by law. Depending on the facts, a complaint to the Police may concern a wide range of alleged criminal offences.

For example, a complaint may involve:

obtaining money by false pretence;
stealing;
criminal breach of trust;
fraud;
forgery;
criminal intimidation;
threats;
assault;
causing grievous harm;
conspiracy;
unlawful possession of property;
destruction of property;
extortion;
kidnapping;
cyber-related offences;
offences involving vehicles or property; or
other conduct that may constitute a criminal offence.

The precise offence will depend on the facts and the applicable law.

A petitioner does not have to turn the petition into a criminal charge or provide a final legal conclusion. The important thing is to explain what happened accurately and provide the information and evidence available.

Where the complaint concerns an economic or financial crime that may fall within the mandate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), you may also wish to read our guide on How to Write a Petition to EFCC in Nigeria.

How to write a petition to the Police

There is no single rigid format that every police petition in Nigeria must follow. However, a properly structured petition should make it easy for the Police to identify the parties, understand what happened, identify the alleged wrongdoing and locate the relevant evidence.

1. Address the petition to the appropriate authority

A petition should be directed to the appropriate police authority depending on the nature and circumstances of the complaint.

This could include:

the Divisional Police Officer (DPO);
the Commissioner of Police of the relevant State Command;
the Assistant Inspector-General of Police of the relevant Police Zone;
the Inspector-General of Police; or
an appropriate investigative formation or unit.

For a matter arising within a particular locality, a petition may be addressed to the Police Division with responsibility for that area.

For example:

The Divisional Police Officer
Nigeria Police Force
[Name of Police Division]
[Location]

Alternatively, where appropriate:

The Commissioner of Police
Nigeria Police Force
[Name] State Command
[Address]

2. Give the petition a clear title

The title should immediately identify the nature of the complaint.

For example:

PETITION AGAINST MR. JOHN DOE FOR ALLEGED FRAUD, CRIMINAL BREACH OF TRUST AND CONVERSION

PETITION FOR INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED FORGERY, OBTAINING MONEY BY FALSE PRETENCE AND OTHER RELATED OFFENCES

The title should be accurate and should not contain sensational or unsupported allegations.

3. Identify the petitioner

State your full name, address and appropriate contact details.

A simple introduction may read:

My name is Mrs. Jane Doe, residing at No. 9 XYZ Avenue, Abuja, and I write this petition to formally report an alleged case of fraud involving Mr. John Doe of No. 10 Example Street, Abuja.

This formulation is generally preferable to beginning with “I, Mrs. Jane Doe…” because it reads more naturally as a complaint rather than as the introductory language of an affidavit.

If the petition is being written by a lawyer, identify the client and state that the lawyer is acting on the client’s instructions.

For example:

We are Solicitors to Mr. A, hereinafter referred to as our Client, and on his firm instructions, we write this petition to request an investigation into the conduct of Mr. B.

4. Identify the person or persons being complained about

Give as much identifying information as you reasonably have.

This may include:

full name;
residential address;
business address;
telephone number;
email address;
occupation or position;
company name;
company registration details;
bank account details;
vehicle details; and
any other information that may assist the Police in identifying or locating the person.

Do not invent information. If you do not know the person’s address, for example, simply state that you do not know it and provide whatever other relevant information is available.

5. State the facts clearly and chronologically

This is one of the most important parts of the petition.

Explain what happened in the order in which it happened. Avoid emotional language, unnecessary exaggeration and irrelevant details.

Ask yourself:

When did you first meet or deal with the person?
What happened?
What representation was made to you?
What agreement was reached?
What did you do in reliance on that representation?
How much money or property was involved?
When and how did the transaction take place?
What subsequently happened?
When did you discover the alleged wrongdoing?
What steps did you take afterwards?
What response did the person give?
What evidence do you have?

A Police officer or investigator who knows nothing about the dispute should be able to read the petition and understand what happened without having to reconstruct the story from scattered documents.

For example:

Sometime in March 2024, Mr. John Doe approached our client with a proposal to supply building materials. Based on the representation made by Mr. Doe, our client transferred the sum of ₦3,500,000.00 to the bank account provided by him.

6. Identify the alleged offence or wrongdoing

After setting out the facts, explain why you believe the conduct requires police investigation.

Depending on the facts, the complaint may involve matters such as:

fraud;
obtaining money by false pretence;
stealing;
criminal breach of trust;
forgery;
criminal intimidation;
threats; or
conspiracy.

A petitioner does not necessarily have to cite the specific section of a criminal statute. If you are uncertain about the precise offence, it is generally better to state the facts accurately and explain why you believe the matter requires investigation than to attach an incorrect legal label to the conduct.

7. State the amount of money or value of property involved

Where money or property is involved, state the exact amount or identify the property clearly.

For example:

On 15 March 2026, I transferred the sum of ₦5,000,000.00 into the bank account provided by Mr. John Doe.

Where there were several transactions, identify each transaction separately, including the date, amount and relevant transaction reference where available.

Where property is involved, provide sufficient particulars to identify it, including its description, location and relevant ownership or transaction documents.

8. Explain the evidence you have

Do not simply state that you have evidence. Identify the evidence and explain its relevance where necessary.

Depending on the circumstances, evidence may include:

bank transfer receipts;
bank statements;
contracts or agreements;
invoices;
receipts;
WhatsApp conversations;
emails;
text messages;
photographs;
audio or video recordings, where lawfully obtained;
company documents;
property documents;
letters;
acknowledgements;
statements of account;
transaction records;
medical records, where relevant;
photographs of injuries or damage, where relevant;
witness information; and
other documents relevant to the complaint.

The petitioner should preserve the original documents and electronic evidence and should not alter, fabricate or deliberately present evidence in a misleading manner.

9. Refer to your attachments

If supporting documents are attached, identify them clearly.

Annexure A: Copy of agreement dated 12 January 2026.
Annexure B: Evidence of bank transfer of ₦5,000,000.00.
Annexure C: WhatsApp correspondence between the parties.
Annexure D: Bank statement showing the relevant transactions.

Then refer to the relevant documents in the body of the petition.

For example:

On 15 March 2026, I transferred ₦5,000,000.00 into the account specified by the Respondent. A copy of the transaction receipt is attached and marked Annexure B.

This is more useful than attaching a large collection of documents without explaining their relevance.

10. State what you want the Police to do

The petition should conclude with a clear request.

For example, you may request that the Police:

investigate the complaint;
invite relevant persons for questioning where appropriate;
take lawful steps to preserve or obtain relevant evidence;
recover property or funds where legally justified; or
take appropriate further action where a criminal offence is established.

It is generally preferable to request investigation and appropriate action based on the outcome of the investigation rather than writing as though the guilt of the person complained against has already been established.

For example:

In view of the foregoing, I respectfully request the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the allegations contained in this petition and take such further action as may be appropriate upon the outcome of the investigation.

11. Sign the petition and provide contact details

The petition should be signed and should include the contact details of the petitioner or the lawyer acting on the petitioner’s behalf.

Typical details include:

full name;
signature;
telephone number;
email address;
address; and
law firm details, where the petition is written by a lawyer.

Sample Petition to the Nigerian Police

Below is a general example of how a petition to the Nigerian Police may be structured. The facts, allegations and documents should always be adapted to the particular circumstances of the complaint.

31st March 2026

The Commissioner of Police,
Lagos State Police Command,
Ikeja, Lagos State.

Dear Sir/Madam,

PETITION AGAINST MR. JOHN DOE FOR ALLEGED OBTAINING MONEY BY FALSE PRETENCE, FRAUDULENT CONVERSION AND OTHER RELATED OFFENCES

INTRODUCTION

My name is Jane Doe, residing at 15 Example Street, Ikeja, Lagos State, and I respectfully submit this petition requesting the Police to investigate the conduct of Mr. John Doe, of 20 Sample Road, Surulere, Lagos State, concerning the circumstances set out below.

Facts of the Complaint

On or about 10 January 2026, I was introduced to Mr. John Doe, who represented to me that he was involved in the sale of genuine properties in Lagos State.

Mr. Doe subsequently informed me that he had authority to sell a particular property located at [DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY] and offered the property to me for the sum of ₦15,000,000.00.

Relying on his representations, I agreed to purchase the property.

On 20 January 2026, I transferred the sum of ₦10,000,000.00 to the bank account provided by Mr. Doe. A copy of the transfer receipt is attached and marked Annexure A.

I subsequently paid a further sum of ₦5,000,000.00 on 28 January 2026, bringing the total amount paid to ₦15,000,000.00. The evidence of this payment is attached and marked Annexure B.

After receiving the full payment, Mr. Doe failed to complete the transaction or provide the documents which he had represented would be provided.

I repeatedly contacted him and demanded either completion of the transaction or the return of my money. Copies of our relevant correspondence are attached and marked Annexure C.

Despite my repeated demands, Mr. Doe has neither completed the transaction nor refunded the money paid to him.

I subsequently discovered information which caused me to question whether Mr. Doe had the authority or capacity to sell the property as he had represented.

In the circumstances, I believe that the representations made to me and the subsequent conduct disclosed above require investigation by the Police.

Request for Investigation

In view of the foregoing, I respectfully request that the Police investigate the circumstances surrounding the transaction and the conduct of Mr. John Doe and determine whether any criminal offence has been committed.

I am willing to provide any further information, documents or assistance that may be required in the course of the investigation.

I respectfully request that appropriate action be taken in accordance with the law upon completion of the investigation.

Thank you for your attention.

Yours faithfully,

Jane Doe
Signature: __________________
Telephone: [PHONE NUMBER]
Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]
Address: [ADDRESS]
Date: [DATE]

Where can you submit a petition to the Police?

A written petition should generally be addressed and submitted to the appropriate Police authority or formation having responsibility for the matter, depending on the nature and circumstances of the complaint. This may include the relevant Police Division, Area Command, State Command or another appropriate investigative formation.

When preparing a written petition, the petitioner should therefore identify the appropriate addressee and address and submit the petition through the relevant Police channel.

The Nigeria Police Force also provides an online Report Crime facility through its official website, which allows members of the public to submit crime reports electronically.

The Force states that a person may submit a crime report if they have witnessed, experienced or have information relating to a criminal incident.

The online reporting facility covers matters including:

Theft or burglary;
Assault or physical violence;
Kidnapping or abduction;
Fraud or cybercrime;
Armed robbery;
Domestic violence;
Missing persons;
Property damage or vandalism;
Suspicious activity; and
Traffic-related offences.

For an urgent incident or immediate danger, the Nigeria Police Force’s reporting page currently provides the following emergency helplines:

08057000001
08057000002
09133333785
09133333786

The Force Headquarters is located at:

Louis Edet House
Force Headquarters
Garki, Shehu Shagari Way
Abuja, Nigeria

It is important to note that the Nigeria Police Force expressly warns that knowingly filing a false report is a criminal offence and may result in prosecution. A person making a report should therefore ensure that the information supplied is truthful and accurate.

Because contact details and reporting arrangements can change, it is advisable to verify current information through the official Nigeria Police Force website before relying on a telephone number, email address or other contact information obtained elsewhere.

What happens after you submit a police petition?

Submitting a petition does not mean that the person complained against has been found guilty.

The petition is an allegation or report that may require assessment and investigation.

Depending on the circumstances, the Police may:

review the information supplied;
contact the petitioner for further information;
invite relevant persons for questioning;
obtain or examine documents and other evidence;
interview witnesses;
conduct further investigations;
take lawful steps concerning relevant property or evidence;
refer the matter to an appropriate investigative unit; or
take other steps permitted by law.

The outcome will depend on the facts, the available evidence and the applicable law.

A petitioner should therefore not assume that submitting a petition automatically results in an arrest, prosecution or recovery of money.

If you submitted your complaint through the Nigeria Police Force’s online reporting facility, you can track the progress of the report using the report reference number provided when the report was submitted.

Does the Police automatically recover your money after you submit a petition?

No.

A police petition is not the same thing as a civil action for debt recovery.

Where a person alleges that money was obtained through criminal conduct, the Police may investigate the allegation and take appropriate action where the facts and evidence justify it. However, submitting a petition does not guarantee recovery of the money.

There may also be circumstances in which the appropriate remedy is civil rather than criminal, or in which both criminal and civil remedies may need to be considered.

This is particularly important where the underlying dispute arises from a contract, loan, business transaction or other commercial relationship. The fact that one party owes another money does not, by itself, establish a criminal offence.

What if the complaint is against a Police officer?

If the complaint concerns police misconduct, abuse of power, extortion or professional misconduct by a Police officer, the Nigeria Police Force directs members of the public to use its separate Police Misconduct reporting channel rather than the ordinary crime-reporting form.

This distinction is important because a complaint about a criminal offence committed by a private individual is different from a complaint concerning the conduct of a Police officer.

The procedure applicable to a complaint against a Police officer should be checked carefully before making the complaint.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a police petition

1. Making unsupported accusations

Do not describe someone as a “criminal”, “fraudster” or “thief” simply because you have a dispute with that person.

State the facts and explain why you believe the matter should be investigated.

2. Turning a civil dispute into a criminal allegation

Not every disagreement involving money is a criminal matter.

For example, the failure of a person to repay a genuine loan does not automatically mean that the person committed fraud.

The facts must be examined to determine whether there is evidence of a criminal offence.

3. Exaggerating the allegations

Do not add allegations simply because you believe they will make the petition appear more serious.

False or misleading information can create serious problems for the petitioner.

4. Omitting important documents

If a bank transfer, agreement, receipt, conversation or other document is central to the complaint, include it where appropriate.

5. Writing an unnecessarily long petition

A petition should contain sufficient detail to explain the complaint but should remain organised and focused.

6. Sending evidence without explanation

Do not simply attach a large collection of documents. Identify important documents and explain their relevance to the allegations.

7. Assuming that every financial dispute is a Police matter

The fact that money is involved does not automatically make a dispute criminal.

The circumstances must disclose facts suggesting that a criminal offence may have been committed.

8. Demanding an arrest before investigation

A petition should ordinarily request investigation and appropriate action based on the outcome of the investigation.

The petitioner should not assume that the person complained against is guilty simply because a petition has been submitted.

9. Providing false information or fabricating evidence

A petitioner should take care to ensure that the information supplied is truthful and accurate. Do not manufacture evidence, alter documents or deliberately provide information that you know to be false.

What makes a good police petition?

A good petition is:

Clear: The investigator should understand the complaint without having to guess what happened.

Specific: Names, dates, amounts, locations and other relevant particulars should be provided.

Chronological: The events should generally be presented in the order in which they occurred.

Evidence-based: Important allegations should be supported by available evidence.

Focused: The petition should concentrate on the conduct being reported.

Accurate: Facts should not be invented or exaggerated.

Action-oriented: The petition should clearly state that investigation and appropriate action are being requested.

Conclusion

Writing a petition to the Police in Nigeria requires clarity, accuracy and proper structure. A good petition should give the investigator a factual roadmap: who did what, when it happened, how it happened, what money or property was involved, what evidence exists and why the matter requires investigation.

The petitioner should present facts rather than exaggerations and should distinguish between an allegation and an established finding of guilt.

It is also important to remember that the Nigeria Police Force has statutory functions relating to the prevention and detection of crime, protection of life and property and maintenance of public safety.

If you are preparing a petition involving substantial sums of money, several transactions, companies, property, multiple suspects or complicated legal issues, it may be advisable to obtain legal advice before submitting the petition.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The procedure, reporting channels and other information relating to the Nigeria Police Force may change. The application of the law also depends on the facts and circumstances of each case. If your circumstances are specific, involve substantial sums of money, serious criminal allegations or complex legal issues, consider obtaining independent legal advice before submitting a petition.

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