The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, has warned police officers in the state to quit searching the phones of citizens while on official duty, News About Nigeria reports.
The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, gave this warning in a statement on Friday.
He noted that the Commissioner has banned officers from searching citizens’ phones during routine patrols and other operations, adding that officers who are found defaulting will be punished.
He added that such an act is unprofessional and frowned upon by the command.
“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 the search of citizens’ phones by operatives while on routine patrol, stop, and search duties in the state.
“The Commissioner of Police Edo State, CP Funsho Adegboye, during a meeting with the command’s strategic security managers, re-echoed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on the ban on searching of citizens’ phones while on patrol, raid operations, stop and search duties or other essential duties.
“He warned that on no account should police officers/operatives engage in searching citizens’ phones in line of duties,” the statement reads.
He further noted that officers can only be allowed to search citizens’ phones when executing a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction, as it empowers them to carry out such duties therein in the course of an investigation.
The CP also urged the public to be patient with the police and report any officer who indulges in unprofessional conduct.
