The Nigerian police has come under criticism for searching passengers belongings on transit. This is even as a viral video surfaced on social media showing some police officers searching belongings of some passengers.
But the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, has justified the search.
Responding to the viral video on social media where police officers were seen searching passengers belongings at a checkpoint, Edafe said the police officers were within their rights. He said they have the right to search the passengers belongings.
The video which was sighted by ISUIKWUATO VOICE was recorded when defended police officers were conducting thorough search of passengers’ belongings. The incident occurred at a police checkpoint during a road trip from Benin to Owerri, Imo State.
The incident in question involved a lady who shared her experience in a viral video posted on Wednesday. It showed police officers searching boxes, luggage, and sealed waybill packages belonging to passengers, including mothers and children.
The travellers were reportedly delayed for an hour due to the extensive search, according to her.
However, responding to concerns raised about the search in the post via X on Thursday, the Delta police Command PRO, Edafe justified the operation.
He stated that the police were within their rights to inspect all items, including waybills, during stop-and-search operations
Edafe also clarified that while male officers are not allowed to physically search a woman’s body, they have the authority to inspect her belongings.
He said, “The police were right and can search all items, including waybills, during the course of stop-and-search duty.
“And yes, they can search the belongings of a woman. They are only not allowed to search a woman physically if they are male officers. But not their property. Are we clear?” he added.
The video has since caused an uproar among social media users. A man who is identified as John condemned the police for searching passengers belongings. This is as he described the act as crude.
Another X user, #Emeka said the police was doing their job. He noted that by searching people belongings that hidden banned substances can be discovered. Emeka, however, urged the police to be decent and show decorum in the discharge of their duties.