Illegally seizing mobile devices without court approval, cops inform officers

The Police Command in Plateau has issued a stern warning to its personnel, emphasizing that they are not authorized to demand or search citizens' mobile phones without due process. This directive is aimed at preventing unlawful searches and ensuring that citizens' rights are respected.

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Mr Bassey Ewah, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau, conveyed this message while addressing personnel in Jos, as disclosed by Mr Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, in a statement released on Thursday in Jos.

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According to Alabo, Commissioner Ewah explicitly stated that "No personnel of this command has the legal authority to search the mobile phone of any citizen on the road without a court warrant", highlighting the need for personnel to adhere to the law.

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The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command's commitment to upholding professionalism and warned personnel against engaging in unprofessional conduct, which can undermine the public's trust in the police force.

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Residents have been advised to politely decline any attempt by personnel to search their phones without a warrant and report such incidents to the nearest Police station, ensuring that their rights are protected.

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In the event of harassment, residents can report incidents to the following phone numbers: 08034448617, 08060545670, 08037681026, 09016146804, and 09051145757, which will enable the command to take prompt action.

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The Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the lives, property, and rights of law-abiding residents, aligning its practices with global best practices to ensure a safe and secure environment for all citizens.