The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ajao Saka Adewale Sanusi, has warned Abuja residents not to surrender their mobile phones to police officers demanding random searches without legal justification.
Speaking with journalists, the police chief said indiscriminate phone searches are contrary to the operational guidelines of the Nigeria Police Force and should not be carried out on citizens who have not been lawfully arrested or linked to any criminal investigation.
According to Sanusi, officers are not permitted to stop individuals on the street and search the contents of their mobile phones without due process. He explained that a phone may only be examined as part of a formal investigation after a suspect has been lawfully arrested and taken to a police station in accordance with the law.
The commissioner urged residents to remain calm and respectful when confronted with such demands but advised them not to surrender their devices for unlawful searches. He encouraged members of the public to report any officer engaging in illegal phone checks or extortion through the appropriate police emergency and complaint channels.
Sanusi noted that the directive forms part of ongoing efforts by the FCT Police Command to strengthen professionalism, improve public confidence, and eliminate misconduct within the Force.
His remarks come shortly after the detention of four police officers accused of extorting Nigeria's anti-corruption chief at an alleged illegal checkpoint within the Federal Capital Territory. The commissioner disclosed that disciplinary proceedings had commenced against the officers and assured the public that anyone found guilty would face dismissal and other sanctions in line with police regulations.
The incident has renewed public debate over police accountability and the persistent issue of unlawful stop-and-search operations. While many residents welcomed the commissioner's strong stance against illegal phone searches, others expressed skepticism, citing previous promises of reform that produced limited long-term change.
Civil society groups and legal experts have repeatedly emphasized that citizens' constitutional rights to privacy and personal liberty must be respected during law enforcement operations. They argue that effective policing should be intelligence-driven and conducted within the provisions of the law.
The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting residents while ensuring officers operate with integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights. It also appealed to the public to cooperate with lawful police investigations and promptly report cases of misconduct.
Observers say the latest directive could help rebuild trust between the police and the public if it is consistently enforced and accompanied by firm disciplinary action against officers who violate established procedures.
As security agencies continue efforts to combat crime in the nation's capital, the commissioner stressed that professionalism and respect for citizens' rights remain essential to effective policing and public confidence.