Police Force Condemns Officers Checking Phones of Civilians, Labels it Unprofessional – Spokesman Adejobi

The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its stance against the unprofessional conduct of officers who stop civilians on the road to search their mobile phones. Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that this practice is not only unlawful but also undermines the public’s trust in the police.

In a statement issued during an engagement with journalists, Adejobi stressed that the police have no legal authority to intrude into citizens’ privacy without a court order or proper justification. He called on members of the public to report such incidents, promising that erring officers would face disciplinary action.

“It is unprofessional and unacceptable for any police officer to stop civilians and demand to check their phones. Such behavior is not in line with our operational ethics and principles,” Adejobi stated. He explained that officers are expected to act within the boundaries of the law and respect citizens’ fundamental rights.

The statement comes amidst growing public outcry over alleged harassment by some police officers who use the pretext of phone searches to extort money from individuals. This has led to heightened tensions between law enforcement and the public.

Adejobi urged Nigerians to be vigilant and report misconduct through the appropriate channels. He assured that the Force is committed to holding officers accountable and maintaining professional standards. Additionally, he encouraged citizens to know their rights and seek redress in situations where they feel victimized.

The Force spokesman also highlighted ongoing efforts to reform and retrain officers, emphasizing the importance of community policing and mutual trust. He noted that the Inspector-General of Police is working tirelessly to address issues of misconduct within the Force and ensure that officers embody the core values of integrity, professionalism, and service.

The reminder serves as part of the broader campaign to strengthen the relationship between the police and the public while fostering accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations.