No law backs phone seizure before entering police station — FPRO
Olumuyiwa Adejobi
No law backs phone seizure before entering police station — FPRO
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Police Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has clarified that there is no law that grants police officers the right to seize a person’s phone before they enter a police station.
The FPRO on Thursday stated on X (formally Twitter) that such actions by police are unconstitutional and will be addressed at the Force Headquarters to find a solution to it.
The reply came after a netizen asked Adejobi if it was legal for police officers to collect citizens’ phones before they gain entrance into the police station.
“What is the rationale behind the requirement for citizens to surrender their mobile phones at the entrance of a police station. This appears to be a common procedure at many police stations in Nigeria.
“Could you provide a professional explanation for this practice? Furthermore, is it a legally sanctioned procedure according to the constitution? Your prompt response would be greatly appreciated,” the netizen asked.
In response, Adejobi said, “There is no law that backs such act-seizing people’s phones at the entrance of the police station. To the best of my knowledge, it is just a proactive measure to prevent security breaches and violent attacks.
“However, such should not be done to deprive people of their rights and privileges. We will address this matter at the Force Headquarters and proffer a solution to it.”
Dailyeconomy reported on July 11, 2024, that Adejobi sought collective collaboration between Nigerians and the police for the betterment of the country’s safety.
