Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Victor Isuku, has said that police officers have the legal right to break doors, climb through ceilings, or scale fences to arrest uncooperative suspects.
Isuku made the statement on Sunday in Benin, Edo State, during an interactive session with members of the public at the premiere of Greatest Oath (The Rescue), a movie produced by Ocean Portal in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.
He cautioned against obstructing officers during arrests, warning that anyone who interferes could face arrest.
“Don’t hinder the police from arresting a suspect, otherwise you will also be arrested,” he said.
Addressing concerns about phone checks, the Deputy PRO clarified that officers are not allowed to search mobile devices indiscriminately. He stressed that such actions are only permissible 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 stated.
“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 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 added.
On challenges facing the police, Isuku identified poor funding as a major setback. He encouraged members of the public to support the force with logistics and equipment rather than giving cash inducements.
Ocean Portal boss, Dickson Oviase, explained that Greatest Oath was inspired by the #EndSARS protests, which he described as a turning point in police-public relations.
“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,” he said.
Zone 5 Police Spokesman, Tijani Momoh, also commended the collaboration between the Police and Ocean Portal, saying the partnership would raise awareness of the force’s role in ensuring security and safety across the country.