Nigerian Police Ban Operative Officers From Searching Citizens’ Phones

Nigerian Police bans the searching of citizens’ phones during routine patrols and stop-and-search operations.

Officers warned against this unprofessional conduct, with severe penalties for offenders, while the public is encouraged to report any instances of phone inspection to designated phone numbers.

The Edo State Police Command, in a release by spokesman SP Chidi Nwabuzor, announced the prohibition of routine patrol officers and stop-and-search personnel from accessing citizens’ phones.

CP Funsho Adegboye emphasized compliance with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s directive, with Zonal Assistant Inspectors-Generals (AIGs) and Command and Formation Commanders (CPs) tasked to oversee and discipline any violations.

“This press release is to inform the general public especially the law abiding citizens of Edo State of the State Police Command’s position regarding searching of citizens’ phones by the operatives while on routine patrol. stop and search duties in the state.

“The Commissioner of Police Edo State, CP Funsho Adegboye, mni during a meeting with the Command’s strategic security managers re- echoed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM on the ban on seaching of citizens’ phones when executing court order from the court of competent jurisdiction as it empowers them to carry out such duties therein in the course of investigation,” the statement reads.

Nevertheless, Nwabuzor emphasized that the CP strongly warned officers against the unprofessional practice of phone inspection, warning of severe repercussions for violators.

Adegboye also urged the public to report any instances of unprofessional conduct by officers to the following phone numbers: 07037376464, 08140275108, 08033726625, and 08164523045.