The Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Victor Isuku, has said police officers are empowered by law to break down doors, enter through ceilings, or scale fences to arrest uncooperative suspects.
Isuku clarified this during an interactive session with the public at the premiere of the movie Greatest Oath (The Rescue), produced by Ocean Portal in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, on Sunday in Benin, Edo State.
He warned that obstructing police officers during an arrest could result in the arrest of the individual who interferes.
“Don’t hinder the police from arresting a suspect, otherwise, you will also be arrested,” he said.
On phone searches, the Deputy PRO explained that officers are only permitted to check mobile devices when there is reasonable suspicion of cybercrime.
“The police will not just stop you on the road and begin to search your phone. It is unethical, and the Inspector-General frowns at such practices,” he said.
He also reminded the public that bail is free, urging the public to read the content in a bail form before appending their signature, noting that the Inspector General frowns at unethical practices by his officers.
He added, “There are situations where a policeman can search your phone. If you are suspected of having committed a cybercrime, your phone will be checked. The police will not just stop you on the road and begin to search you, it is unethical. The IG frowns at such unethical practice.
“The Police can break down the door of an uncooperative suspect, enter his apartment through the roof, or get into his premises by scaling the fence. Don’t hinder the police from arresting a suspect, as you will also be arrested.
He said that funding was a major problem affecting all institutions in the country, noting that the public can help provide basic logistics equipment to the police, inside of giving them money under any guise.
Ocean Portal boss, Dickson Oviase, said that the production was inspired by the EndSARS protest which led to the destruction of life and properties in many states of the federation.
He said, despite the hostilities, the police still carried out their duties, disclaiming the insinuation that they were on strike during the protest.
He added, “The movie is inspired and birthed from the outcry of the #EndSARS saga. The Police could not function in many states. The consciousness of the necessity of the presence of the Nigerian Police pervaded everywhere.
“For once, the vacuum of the absence of Police in our society stared us in the Face. Truth be told, there’s a need to show love to the Police and Vice-Versa as it will be chaotic if the police embark on an indefinite strike. Let’s come together and enhance community policing. God bless Nigeria.”
The Spokesman of Zone Five, Tijani Momoh, said that the collaboration between Ocean Portal and the Nigeria Police Force would create awareness on the dedication of the police towards ensuring a safer Nigeria.
He said the force also provided logistics and equipment for the production crew of the movie.
