The Nigeria Police Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has insisted that it is illegal for operatives on routine patrol and stop and search responsibilities to inspect citizens’ phones.
Recall that the Force earlier banned its operatives from the illegal searches on the phones.
This was announced in a statement released by the Edo State Police spokesman, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, in April 2024.
According to Nwabuzor, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, had advised officers and men not to do this conduct, as instructed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
He further stated that IGP Egbetokun had asked Zonal Assistant Inspectors-Generals (AIGs), Command and Formation Commanders (CPs), to supervise their staff and discipline errant officials.
Despite the ban and strict warning from the Inspector General of Police, Egbetokun, many police officers continued to routinely check mobile phones on the citizens.
An X user, Silva Nimi asked the police force why their officers keep checking the phones.
Nimi said, “Bro, why are your men after young boys in the street. What did we do wrong ?What did they keep in our phones “ that they want to check and search for all the time?”
Reacting, Adejobi described the action as unprofessional but saying that many victims are undermining the force efforts to punish the culprits.
Adejobi wrote: ”Let’s have at least a scapegoat. Searching phones on the road, or without being an exhibit in a case, is not allowed and unprofessional. Recalcitrant officers won’t allow us rest, but we need to expose them. However, many victims of this act only come on X or online to raise issues when they have failed to cooperate with the authority to deal with their cases.
“They betray us, compromise, and encourage the men to dwell in such with impunity. We have various experiences, and it’s disheartening that the victims even beg us to pardon the men for reasons known to them. For those who have done so in my office, know I turn down their pleas. Let’s take the bull by the horn and expose the bad ones. Thanks.”
“No problem. We have a game to curb that. Heads and supervisory officers will be held responsible and sanctioned henceforth for the misdeeds and unprofessional conduct of their men.
“The IGP warned and pronounced it yesterday during the virtual conference with NPF strategic managers. It’s achievable and no going back. On Monday, at least some senior officers were dismissed while some reduced in rank upon our recommendations to the police service commission. The game has changed for good. Thanks.”
