The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ahmed Sanusi, has advised residents of Abuja not to allow police officers to search their mobile phones during routine stop-and-search operations.
Sanusi gave the directive while addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, saying the measure was aimed at curbing abuse of power and extortion by some police personnel.
He urged residents to resist any attempt by officers to access their phones without following due legal process and to immediately raise an alarm if such incidents occur.
“Don’t allow any police officer to search your phone. We are saying this because of the abuse and extortive tendencies of some of our officers,” he said.
According to the police commissioner, officers have been instructed not to search the phones of individuals they stop on the road merely on suspicion of involvement in internet fraud or other offences.
He, however, clarified that mobile phones could be searched during the course of a lawful investigation, but only after a suspect has been legally arrested, taken to a police station, and the search is necessary to obtain evidence related to an alleged crime.
He explained that random roadside phone searches are unlawful and contrary to directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police.
“For an officer to stop anyone on the road and demand to search the person’s phone is not legal,” Sanusi stated.
The commissioner further advised members of the public to politely refuse such requests and seek assistance if confronted by officers attempting to conduct unlawful phone searches.
“If any policeman stops you on the road, don’t open your phone. Resist and ask people around to help you call the police. You will see our men there,” he added.
Sanusi reaffirmed the FCT Police Command’s commitment to upholding citizens’ rights while ensuring law enforcement officers operate within the provisions of the law.