The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ahmed Sanusi, has cautioned residents—especially young people—against permitting police officers to search their mobile phones during routine stop-and-search operations.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Sanusi emphasized that such actions violate the standing directive of the Inspector-General of Police, which strictly prohibits indiscriminate phone searches by officers.
According to him, the directive became necessary due to widespread abuse and extortion by some security personnel.
“The issue of phone searching has been clearly addressed. Because of the abuse and extortion tendencies among some officers, it has been ordered that no one should search any citizen’s phone arbitrarily,” he stated.
Sanusi clarified that while mobile phones can serve as evidence in criminal investigations, they may only be examined after a suspect has been lawfully arrested and taken to a police station.
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He stressed that officers have no right to stop individuals on the road and demand access to their phones based on mere suspicion of crimes such as internet fraud.
“For any officer to stop you and demand your phone on the road is against the directive. Do not agree or open your phone,” he warned.
The police boss advised residents to immediately report such incidents by contacting the police emergency lines or seeking assistance from nearby officers within the command.
He further assured the public that the command remains committed to enforcing the directive, adding that any officer found violating the rule would face strict disciplinary measures.
Sanusi reiterated that the FCT Police Command will not tolerate misconduct and is determined to uphold professionalism and protect citizens’ rights.
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