Plateau police boss, Adesina warns personnel against searching of citizens mobile phones 

From Justine Davis , Jos

The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina has warned men of the Command to stay clear of harassing unsuspected members of the public by checking their mobile phones in the name of haunting for internet fraud in the state.

He said the measure is coming against the backdrop that some personnel of the Command have developed the habit of accosting unsuspecting members of the public, specifically in Plateau State, collecting their mobile phones on the road and forcefully gaining access into them, claiming to be investigating internet fraud without adherence to laid down procedure regarding the investigation of such cases. 

The Commissioner through the Command’s Public Relations Officer DSP Alfred Alabo on Wednesday directed that all Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Team Commanders, Patrol and Guard officers, most especially the Anti-Cyber Crime Unit, to act in accordance with the Cyber Crime Prohibition and Prevention Act 2015.

He noted that the  Cyber Crime Prohibition and Prevention Act 2015 mandates law enforcement officers to apply for ex parte orders from a judge in chambers for the power of arrest, and issuance of a warrant for the purpose of obtaining electronic evidence in relation to cyber crime investigations. 

Adesina vows that he will not treat matters of violation of human rights and other unethical practices by his men with levity. Insisting that due process must be followed in discharging Police duties to avoid abuse of constitutional powers. 

The Police Commissioner also urged members of the public to report any misconduct by officers within the State through the plateau state complaint response unit.