Police Can Break Doors, Scale Fences to Arrest Suspects, Says Force Deputy PRO
Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Victor Isuku, has affirmed that police officers are legally empowered to break doors, climb through ceilings, or scale fences to apprehend uncooperative suspects.
Isuku made the statement on Sunday in Benin, Edo State, during an interactive session with the public at the premiere of Greatest Oath (The Rescue), a movie produced by Ocean Portal in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.
He warned against obstructing officers during arrests, emphasizing that anyone who interferes could face detention.
“Don’t hinder the police from arresting a suspect, otherwise you will also be arrested,” he said.
On the topic of phone searches, the Deputy PRO clarified that officers cannot indiscriminately check mobile devices. Such actions are only allowed under 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 explained.
“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.
Isuku also highlighted poor funding as a key challenge facing the police and encouraged citizens to support the force with logistics and equipment rather than cash inducements.
Ocean Portal boss, Dickson Oviase, said the movie 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.
