Abuja residents have been told not to allow police officers to search their mobile phones during routine stop-and-search operations.
The directive came from the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ahmed Sanusi, who described the practice as illegal when carried out on the roadside without due process.
The warning has drawn public attention because it directly addresses one of the most common complaints against some police officers. Moreover, the Commissioner said the order was issued to curb abuse of power and extortion during routine policing.
The directive also reinforces instructions earlier given by the Inspector-General of Police. Therefore, residents have been encouraged to resist unlawful phone searches and immediately report any officer who ignores the directive.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Sanusi explained that no police officer has the legal authority to demand access to a person’s phone during routine patrols or random arrests.
He urged members of the public to remain calm but firm whenever such situations arise.
According to him:
“Don’t allow any police officers to search your phone and we’re saying this due to the abuse and extortive tendencies of some of our officers.”
Furthermore, the Commissioner disclosed that officers serving in the FCT Command had already been instructed not to search phones simply because they suspect someone of internet fraud.
He stressed that suspicion alone does not justify invading a person’s privacy.
According to Sanusi:
“It has been instructed that nobody should search any phone, especially when you just arrest somebody on the road and you start searching the person’s phone, suspecting that he is an internet fraudster.”
However, he clarified that mobile phones can still be examined under specific legal conditions.
He explained that such searches are only allowed after a lawful arrest has been made.
In addition, the suspect must have been taken to a police station as part of an official criminal investigation.
The Commissioner said investigators may inspect a phone only when it is necessary to gather evidence linked to an alleged offence.
He stated:
“This does not negate the fact that phones are also being used to commit crime. But of course, before such a thing can happen, the person must have committed the crime, must have been properly arrested and brought to the station, then when trying to uncover some evidence, you can search to see whether the phone or other items are being used to perpetuate the crime.”
Meanwhile, Sanusi warned that roadside phone searches remain unlawful regardless of the circumstances.
He advised residents not to surrender their devices simply because an officer demanded access.
According to him:
“But for you to just stop anybody on the road and say bring your phone, let me search, is not legal.”
The Commissioner also encouraged residents to seek help immediately if such incidents occur.
He revealed that the FCT Police Command would respond whenever reports are made.
Quoting the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Sanusi added:
“If any policeman stops you on the road, according to the instructions of the Inspector-General of Police, which we are bound to obey to the last of it, don’t open your phone, resist and ask other people to help you call the police. You will see our men there.”
Furthermore, the latest directive is expected to strengthen public confidence in policing while reducing complaints about unlawful searches.
