The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has called on Nigerians to expose police officers who engage in illegal stop-and-search operations targeting citizens’ mobile phones.
This appeal comes in the wake of ongoing reports that some officers continue to flout the Nigeria Police Force’s ban on phone searches. Despite warnings from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, such practices persist.
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A Plea for Accountability
In response to a post by an X (formerly Twitter) user, Silva Nimi, who questioned the continued harassment of young Nigerians by officers checking their phones, Adejobi described the act as unprofessional and illegal.
The post read:
“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?”
Adejobi replied:
“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. Let’s have at least a scapegoat.”
Challenges in Tackling the Issue
Adejobi expressed frustration over the reluctance of some victims to formally report such incidents, noting that many opt to complain online without cooperating with the authorities to ensure erring officers are punished. He added that some victims even plead on behalf of the implicated officers, thereby enabling the behavior to continue unchecked.
He urged Nigerians to take a stand:
“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.”
Background
The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated on multiple occasions that phone searches by officers during routine patrols are illegal unless the phone is an exhibit in an active investigation. Citizens are encouraged to report violations to ensure accountability and compliance with the law.
Adejobi’s appeal underscores the need for collective effort in eradicating misconduct within the force. Nigerians are urged to report incidents of illegal phone searches to appropriate authorities to deter erring officers and uphold citizens’ rights.
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