Edo Police Command Warns Officers Against Searching Citizens’ Phones: Emphasizes Unprofessional Conduct

The Edo State Police Command has issued a stern warning to its officers regarding the prohibition on searching citizens’ phones during routine patrols and other operations.

This statement was made public by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, in a Facebook post on Friday.

According to Nwabuzor, the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Funsho Adegboye, reiterated the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, that searching of citizens’ phones by police operatives is banned.

Adegboye emphasized that officers should refrain from this act while on patrol, raid operations, stop and search duties, or any other essential duties.

“The Commissioner of Police Edo State, CP Funsho Adegboye, during a meeting with the command’s strategic security managers, re-echoed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on the ban on searching of citizens’ phones while on patrol,” the statement read.

The Edo State Police Command’s stance on this issue highlights the importance of respecting citizens’ privacy and upholding professional conduct among its officers.

This move is in line with the broader efforts of the Nigerian Police Force to enhance transparency and accountability in its operations, ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected and upheld.