‘No police officer can demand access to phones without court warrant’ – Plateau CP

The Plateau State Police Command has warned its personnel that no officer has the legal authority to stop any citizen on the road and demand access to the contents of their mobile phone without a court warrant.

The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Bassey Ewah, gave the warning in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred.

The statement read, “In line with his unwavering stance against misconduct and unprofessional behaviour by Police personnel, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, CP Bassey Ewah, wishes to reiterate unequivocally, that no officer or personnel of the Plateau State Police Command has the legal authority to stop any citizen and demand access to or search the contents of their mobile phone on the road without a court warrant.”

He urged residents to politely resist such unlawful demands and report any officer found engaging in the practice through the command’s complaint channels.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to lawful policing and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.

According to him, the Plateau State Police Command remained committed to protecting the lives, property and rights of all Plateau citizens, adding, “We assure the good people of the State of our continued commitment to ensuring effective policing in line with the law and global best practices.”