SUNTV Global Channel News
The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ahmed Sanusi, has cautioned Nigerians against allowing police officers to search their mobile phones solely on suspicion of involvement in internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”
Speaking in a recent address, the police commissioner stressed that random phone searches conducted by officers on the roadside are unlawful and violate the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
According to him, a mobile phone can only be searched after a suspect has been lawfully arrested and the device is required as part of an official criminal investigation.
Sanusi acknowledged that some police officers and personnel from other security agencies have abused their powers by carrying out arbitrary phone searches, describing the practice as unacceptable.
He explained that while mobile phones may serve as evidence in criminal investigations, officers have no legal authority to demand or search a person’s phone without due process.
The commissioner urged residents of the FCT to politely refuse any unlawful request to hand over their phones and immediately report such incidents through the police emergency lines. He added that citizens outside the FCT should report offending officers to the police command headquarters in their respective states.
Sanusi further assured Nigerians that any officer found violating the Inspector-General’s directive would face disciplinary action.
The warning comes amid growing public concern over alleged harassment, intimidation and extortion of young Nigerians by some security personnel through unauthorized phone searches.
The Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly maintained that officers must respect the rights of citizens and operate within the provisions of the law while carrying out their duties.
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