Searching phones without warrant unlawful, Police tell personnel

The Police Command in Plateau has warned its personnel against unlawfully demanding and searching citizens’ mobile phones.

Mr Bassey Ewah, the Commissioner of Police in the state, gave the warning while addressing its personnel in Jos.

Mr Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Jos.

“No personnel of this command has the legal authority to search mobile phone of any citizen on the road without a court warrant,” Alabo quoted Ewah as saying.

The PPRO said that the commissioner, who reiterated the command’s commitment to professionalism, warned personnel against unprofessional conduct.

He added that the commissioner advised residents to politely decline any unlawful attempt by personnel to search their phones and report such to the nearest Police station.

Alabo also advised residents of the state to report any incident of harassment through the following phone numbers: 08034448617, 08060545670, 08037681026, 09016146804, and 09051145757.

The PPRO further reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting the lives, property and rights of law abiding residents in line with global best practices.

(NAN)