Section 140 - False information with intent to mislead public officer.

Whoever gives to a public officer an information which he knows or believes to be false, intending thereby to cause or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause the public officer-

(a) to do or to omit anything which the public officer ought not to do or omit if the true state of facts respecting such information is given were known by him; or

(b) to use the lawful power of the public officer to the injury or annoyance of a person,

shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which may extend to forty naira or with both.

Illustration

(a) A informs a police officer that Z a policemen subordinate to such police officer has been guilty of neglect of duty or misconduct knowing such information to be false and knowing it to be likely that the information will cause the police officer to dismiss Z. A has committed an offence under this section.

(b) A falsely informs a public officer that Z has contraband goods in a secret place knowing such information to be false and knowing that it is likely that the consequence of the information will be a search of Z's premises attended with annoyance to Z. A has committed an offence under this section.

(c) A falsely informs a policeman that he has been assaulted and robbed in the neighbourhood of a particular vii/age. He does not mention the name of any person as one of his assailants but knows it to be likely that in consequence of this information the police will make enquiries and institute searches in the village to the annoyance of the villagers or some of them. A has committed an offence under this section.