The Plateau State Police Command has warned its officers that they have no legal authority to stop citizens on the road and demand access to their mobile phones without obtaining a court warrant.
The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, CP Bassey Ewah, issued the warning in a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred.
The statement stressed that any officer who searches or demands access to the contents of a citizen’s phone without proper legal approval is acting outside the law.
“In line with his unwavering stance against misconduct and unprofessional behaviour by Police personnel, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, CP Bassey Ewah, 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.
CP Ewah advised residents to politely resist such unlawful demands and report any police officer involved in the act through the command’s official complaint channels.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to upholding citizens’ fundamental rights, ensuring lawful policing, and protecting the lives and property of residents.
He added that the Plateau State Police Command would continue to promote effective policing practices in accordance with the law and international standards.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.