The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ahmed Sanusi, has warned Abuja residents against allowing police officers to search their mobile phones during roadside arrests, describing the practice as illegal and prone to abuse.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Sanusi said no police officer has the legal authority to randomly search the phones of members of the public simply because they have been stopped or arrested on the road.
According to him, the directive became necessary due to reports of abuse of power and extortion by some officers who unlawfully search people's phones under the guise of investigating internet fraud.
He explained that while mobile phones can serve as evidence in criminal investigations, such searches can only be carried out after a suspect has been lawfully arrested, taken to a police station, and is being investigated in connection with a specific offence.
Sanusi stressed that officers must not demand access to anyone's phone during routine stop-and-search operations.
"Don't allow any police officer to search your phone. We are saying this because of the abuse and extortive tendencies of some of our officers," he said.
The police commissioner noted that if a person is suspected of committing a crime, due process must be followed before any digital device can be examined as part of an investigation.
He further urged residents of the FCT to resist any attempt by officers to forcefully search their phones on the roadside and immediately raise an alarm or seek help from nearby members of the public to contact the police.
Sanusi said the directive aligns with the standing instruction of the Inspector-General of Police, adding that the FCT Police Command remains committed to protecting the rights of citizens while carrying out its law enforcement responsibilities.
He assured Abuja residents that any officer found violating the directive would be dealt with in accordance with the law.