Section 372: Power of receiver to suppress plunder and disorder by force

(1)
Whenever a vessel is wrecked, stranded or in distress as aforesaid, and any person plunders, creates disorder or obstructs the preservation of the vessel, or of the shipwrecked persons, or of the cargo or apparel of the vessel, the Receiver of Wreck may cause that person to be apprehended.
(2)
The Receiver of Wreck may use force for the suppression of any such plundering, disorder or obstruction, and may command all persons present to assist him in so using force.
(3)
Any person who contravenes the provisions of this section commits an offence and shall on conviction be liable to a fine not less than two hundred thousand Naira or imprisonment for a term not less than one year or both.
(4)
Where any person is killed, maimed or hurt by reason of his resisting the Receiver of Wreck or any person acting under the orders of the Receiver of Wreck in the execution of the duties under this part of this Act committed to the Receiver of Wreck, the Receiver of Wreck or the person acting under his orders shall not be liable to any punishment, or to pay any damages, by reason of the person being so killed, maimed or hurt, unless the Receiver or person acting under his orders used more force than was reasonably necessary in the circumstances.