Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Ahmed Sanusi, has instructed Abuja residents not to permit any police officer to search their mobile phones. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, July 20, Sanusi emphasized that such searches are illegal unless proper procedures are followed.
Abuse and extortion by officers
Sanusi cited widespread abuse and extortion by some police officers as the reason for the directive. He stated, “Don’t allow any police officers to search your phone and we’re saying this due to the abuse and extortive tendencies of some of our officers.” The Commissioner clarified that the order aligns with the Inspector-General of Police’s instructions, which the command is bound to obey fully.
When phone searches are legal
The Commissioner noted that while phones can be used to commit crimes, searching them arbitrarily on the road is not permitted. He explained, “This does not negate the fact that phones are also being used to commit crime. But of course, before such a thing can happen, the person must have committed the crime, must have been properly arrested and brought to the station, then when trying to uncover some evidence, you can search to see whether the phone or other items are being used to perpetuate the crime.” He stressed that stopping someone on the road and demanding their phone for a search is illegal.
How residents should respond
Sanusi urged residents to resist any attempt by police to search their phones on the street. He advised, “If any policeman stops you on the road, according to the instructions of the Inspector-General of Police, which we are bound to obey to the last of it, don’t open your phone, resist and ask other people to help you call the police. You will see our men there.” The Commissioner encouraged the public to raise an alarm if an officer tries to search their phone, as such actions violate established protocols.
