The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ahmed Sanusi, has advised Abuja residents not to allow police officers to search their phones during roadside encounters.
Sanusi gave the advice on Monday, July 20, while addressing journalists in Abuja, saying residents should raise an alarm if any officer attempts to carry out such a search.
He explained that the directive was issued following concerns over alleged abuse and extortion by some police personnel.
“Don’t allow any police officer to search your phone. We are saying this due to the abuse and extortive tendencies of some of our officers,” Sanusi said.
The police commissioner said officers were not permitted to stop people on the road and demand access to their phones on the suspicion that they may be involved in internet fraud.
He, however, noted that phones could be searched as part of a criminal investigation when a suspect had been properly arrested and taken to the police station.
“Phones are also being used to commit crime, but before such a thing can happen, the person must have committed the crime, must have been properly arrested and brought to the station. It is then that evidence can be uncovered to determine whether the phone or other items were used to commit the crime,” he said.
Sanusi stressed that asking members of the public to hand over their phones for random searches on the road was unlawful.
He urged residents to resist such demands and seek help if they encounter officers attempting to conduct unauthorised phone searches.
“If any policeman stops you on the road, according to the instructions of the Inspector-General of Police, which we are bound to obey, don’t open your phone. Resist and ask other people to help you call the police,” he said.
