PLATEAU POLICE BAN OFFICERS FROM SEARCHING PHONES WITHOUT COURT WARRANT

Read Time:1 Minute, 9 Second

By; Sunmola Ganiyat

The Plateau State Police Command has warned its personnel against stopping members of the public to inspect or search their mobile phones without obtaining a court warrant.

The directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, through a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, Alabo Alfred.

According to the statement, police officers do not have the legal authority to stop citizens on the road and demand access to the contents of their mobile devices without proper judicial approval.

The commissioner stressed that such actions violate established legal procedures and reiterated the command’s commitment to professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights.

Ewah warned officers against any form of misconduct or abuse of power, maintaining that policing must be carried out within the limits of the law.

He also encouraged residents of Plateau State to politely decline unlawful requests to search their phones and report any officer involved in such conduct through the command’s official complaint channels.

The police chief reaffirmed the command’s dedication to protecting lives, property and the fundamental rights of citizens.

According to him, the Plateau State Police Command remains committed to delivering effective law enforcement services in line with legal provisions and internationally recognised policing standards.

The statement forms part of ongoing efforts by the command to promote accountability, professionalism and public trust in policing across the state.