The Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit has said that Police officers do not need to present a search warrant before they could conduct a stop-and-search on anyone they consider to be of interest.
The PCRRU said this on Thursday via its Twitter handle @PoliceNG_PCRRU.
The ‘clarification’ was sequel to a trending video in which a policeman assaulted a young lady who reportedly refused an order asking her to submit herself for bodily search.
See the tweet:
in respect of this matter.
Members of the public are once again reminded that police officers doesn’t require search warrant to conduct a search on them or their luggage when accosted on public highways/roads. Citizens are also enjoined to be patience and obey simple police
3— POLICE COMPLAINT (@PoliceNG_PCRRU) May 24, 2018
The tweet is currently generating reactions from Nigerians:
Can they search our private parts like inside our pants?
— bryan (@gchild8701) May 24, 2018
You need probable cause to stop an search someone. You also have absolutely no right to assault a citizen. That’s a criminal offence, especially whilst in possession of a weapon. You should be sued in court. Maybe of it start to hurt you in your pocket you will calm down.
— Alt13 (@Alt139) May 24, 2018
I also remember the @PoliceNG reminding us that an officer to submit self for search 1st before searching a civilian. Can you confirm this?
— zamzam musa (@zamzano) May 24, 2018
but you once said before we allowed a police search us, we should politely demand to first search them. I once had an experience where a police search my car and saw a cent, he told me its contraband and against the law to have foreign currency, i demand the source of that law
— A (@mavis20) May 24, 2018
source: http://punchng.com/policemen-dont-need-a-search-warrant-to-frisk-anyone-pcrru/
