On Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi ignited a contentious discussion on X (formerly Twitter) by asserting that Nigerian law gave police officers the authority to enter residences without a search warrant.
Somto Okonkwo, an X user, started the issue by posting a video of masked police officers breaking through a fence and forcibly invading a property.
The officers are seen on camera firing bullets when the residents refuse to let them through the house’s gate.
However, the officers eventually scaled the fence to enter the building.
Adejobi’s statement violated Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, according to Joseph Tobore, an X user who reacted to the video.
“From the perspective of the police spokesperson, Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution is dead,” he stated.
“If Prince can defend breaking the law and assert that it is Nigerian law, then the country is in jeopardy. Remember that if a law does not follow the Constitution, it is not a law. I challenge you, Prince: teach Nigerians about Section 37 and consider the logic of this assertion.”
Another X user who went by the handle “Great Oracle Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary” questioned the police’s conduct, asking, “How is this consistent with the force operations? Officers showed up wearing masks without a warrant, fired live rounds, and climbed (in reality, trespassed) inside a residence. Is this a normal procedure? It would have been an armed citizen who shot this police.”
A netizen with the X handle “Dipo” commented, “Because criminals, bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers have been known to operate in the same uniform, a uniform is no longer proof of authority. The only way to verify real operatives is by professional behaviour.”
The police have the authority to enter any home or location if they have a reasonable suspicion that a crime is being committed, Adejobi said in response to the criticism.
With a warning that “all you need is to follow the procedure,” he went on to explain that breaking into residences was legal. Powers to enter and exit; this is not limited to the East; it is a legal need.
Adejobi’s comments were criticised by X user Ben Samuel, who said, “Your statement lacks clarity, sir.” Without a legal warrant, the police are not allowed to “break into any house or place.” These unruly officers’ acts are no different from those of armed robbers, and they must be severely punished for their misbehaviour. Illegal means cannot be used to fulfil legal obligations,” he stated.
However, the Force PRO added, “No amendment would deprive the police of their authority, regardless of how they review the law. All they can do is examine how its powers are used. Keep in mind that we don’t always need a warrant to search or make an arrest. Read and comprehend the law. The police are governed by numerous laws, all of which are unchangeable.”
