“I don’t want Wahala” won’t save you from Court if you witness a Crime, you can be forced to testify

Many people think that if they witness a crime, they can simply “stay out of it” by refusing to testify. The law says otherwise.

If your testimony is important to a case, the court can compel you to appear through what is called a “witness summons” (also known as a subpoena).

A subpoena is not an invitation it is a legal order. Once issued, you are bound to obey it.

• You cannot simply say:
  “I don’t want trouble.”
  “I wasn’t the victim.”
  “Let them settle it without me.”

The truth is this the moment your knowledge of the case can help the cause of justice, your presence can be demanded by law and if you ignore the order? You may be held in contempt of court a serious offence that can lead to:

Arrest
Detention
Heavy fines (or both)

It is not about whether you feel like testifying. It is both a civic duty and a legal responsibility.
So the next time you are a witness to a crime, remember you cannot simply excuse yourself. The law can, and will, call you in.