The Plateau State Police Command has cautioned its officers against unlawfully stopping members of the public to inspect their mobile phones without obtaining a court warrant.
The Punch reported that the directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, in a statement released on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, Alabo Alfred.
The command stressed that its personnel have no legal backing to stop citizens on the road and request access to the contents of their mobile phones unless authorised by a court warrant.
“In line with his unwavering stance against misconduct and unprofessional behaviour by Police personnel, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, CP Bassey Ewah, psc(++), FCAI, MSPSP, wishes to reiterate unequivocally, that no officer or personnel of the Plateau State Police Command has the legal authority to stop any citizen and demand access to or search the contents of their mobile phone on the road without a court warrant,” the statement read.
Ewah advised residents to firmly but politely decline any such unlawful request and report any officer involved through the command’s designated complaint channels.
He also reaffirmed the command’s resolve to uphold the law while safeguarding the fundamental rights of residents across the state.
“The Plateau State Police Command remains committed to protecting the lives, properties and rights of all Plateau citizens.
“We therefore assure the good people of the State of our continued commitment to ensuring effective Policing in line with the law and global best practices,” he added.
