File: A Nigerian Police symbol
The Plateau State Police Command has cautioned its personnel against stopping members of the public to search their mobile phones without a court warrant.
The Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, gave the warning in a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred.
According to the statement, no officer of the command has the legal authority to stop any citizen on the road and demand access to the contents of their mobile phone without a court warrant.
“In line with his unwavering stance against misconduct and unprofessional behaviour by Police personnel, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, CP Bassey Ewah, psc(++), FCAI, MSPSP, wishes to reiterate unequivocally, that no officer or personnel of the Plateau State Police Command has the legal authority to stop any citizen and demand access to or search the contents of their mobile phone on the road without a court warrant,” the statement read.
The commissioner urged residents to politely resist such unlawful demands and report any officer found engaging in the practice through the command’s complaint channels.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to lawful policing and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
“The Plateau State Police Command remains committed to protecting the lives, properties and rights of all Plateau citizens.
“We therefore assure the good people of the State of our continued commitment to ensuring effective policing in line with the law and global best practices,” he added.
