The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, has revealed that it is wrong for policemen to search any Nigerian’s home or car, without first duly submitting him or herself, to be searched first, before proceeding to do so.
He said this is norm, as many Nigerians are not aware of their rights to search a police officer, before they are searched.
Mr. Idris, who revealed this during an interactive session on Twitter, to keep Nigerians abreast of their rights, through the hashtag #AskThePolice.
The tweet said, “If an officer wants to search you in your house/car, he must first surrender himself for searching. This is the procedure. Ask politely.”
When asked if it is legal for police officers to search people’s phones without warrant, the IGP said: “It is not ideal for Officers to search your phones without a complaint. It is not professional.
“Officers have been lectured not to unnecessarily search people’s phones without any case or complaint against the person.”
Furthermore, when asked how to identity F-SARS operatives, the IGP replied,” We have implemented a reformed dressing code for F-SARS:
– A P-cap with F-SARS on it
– A jacket/ T-Shirt with F-SARS and the location/ State inscribed at the back
– The name of the officer is written on the chest for easy identification
The IG, also added that officers have been cautioned to act professionally in carrying out their duties, ” I have warned officers to respect the rights of Nigerians. Any personnel of F-SARS found wanting, and commits any unprofessional conduct is dealt with accordingly. I can confirm that several officers from Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Delta have been disciplined. #AskThePolice
