The Commissioner of Police overseeing the Federal Capital Territory, CP Ahmed Sanusi, has advised residents, especially young people, to prevent police officers from inspecting their mobile phones during stop-and-search procedures, asserting that such actions contravene the instructions of the Inspector-General of Police.
Sanusi made this remark during a press conference broadcast by News Central Television on Tuesday, emphasizing that officers are forbidden from indiscriminately inspecting the phones of the public.
“The problem of searching phones has been explicitly articulated.” “Because of the abusive and extortionate behavior of certain officers and personnel, not only from the Police but also from other related agencies, it has been mandated that no one is allowed to search any phone,” he stated.
The police commissioner stated that while mobile phones may act as proof in criminal cases, they ought to be inspected only after a suspect has been legally detained and brought to a police station.
“This does not deny that phones are also utilized to perpetrate crime.” However, prior to that occurring, the individual needs to have committed the offense, been appropriately arrested, and taken to the station. “Then, while attempting to find some proof, you can now begin looking to determine if the phone or other objects have been utilized to carry out or execute such a crime,” he stated.
He emphasized that officers must not halt individuals on the street and request access to their phones just because they suspect them of online fraud or any other crime.
“However, to randomly stop someone on the street and demand, ‘Show me your phone, I want to search it.’” “Or, you possess this specific amount on your phone”—any officer that halts you on the street, as per the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, we must adhere to absolutely all of it. Do not concur. Refrain from unlocking your phones. “Stand firm,” Sanusi stated.
He urged individuals to seek assistance by calling the police emergency number or approaching nearby officers when encountering policemen requesting to check their phones.
“Request assistance from those nearby to help you contact the police emergency number.” Our men will be present there, and we will inquire about the reason, assuming they are located in the FCT. “If they’re beyond the FCT, then you will contact your Command CP,” he stated.
Sanusi reiterated the command’s dedication to upholding the Inspector-General’s order, cautioning that any officer found in breach would encounter disciplinary measures.
“I’m happy to inform you that we remain opposed to that.” We remain opposed to that. We will continue to uphold the IG’s directive. Several of them are aggressors due to their criminal tendencies. They aim to continue such actions. Should we acquire them, they will confront disciplinary measures and will have to deal with the repercussions,” he stated.
