The Edo State Police Command has warned that it would deal decisively with any of its officer caught searching the phone of any Nigerian.
The State’s Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, in a statement on Friday posted on x said after a meeting with the Command’s Strategic Security Managers, the Command in line with the IGP’s directive is reiterating that no police officer has the right to search the phone of any citizen.
Adegboye who issued the directive for the Commad urged the public to report any officer involved in such act, adding that the Force was empowered to do so only when executing court order.
The statement reads “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.
“Officers can only be allowed to search citizens’ phones when executing court order from the court of competent jurisdiction as it empower them to carry out such duties therein in the course of investigation. However, we vehemently warns officers and men to desist from this unprofessional conduct of searching phones, any officer caught doing so will face severe sanctions.
“We urge the general public to be patient with the police and report any officer who indulges in the act”
