Commissioner of Police Bassey Ewah, who heads the Plateau State Police Command, warned officers in Jos on Friday, 10 July 2026, that they have no legal authority to search citizens’ mobile phones without a court warrant, reinforcing a police warning against unlawful phone searches.

The directive forms part of the command’s wider effort to strengthen professionalism, protect constitutional rights and improve public confidence in policing.

Also read: Jigawa police arrest 8, recover 3,427 illicit drugs

The warning was conveyed in a statement issued by Superintendent Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Plateau State Command.

According to the statement, Commissioner Ewah instructed personnel to refrain from demanding access to citizens’ mobile phones during routine encounters or road checks unless authorised by a court.

“No personnel of this command has the legal authority to search mobile phone of any citizen on the road without a court warrant,” Ewah said.

Commissioner Ewah also cautioned officers against all forms of unprofessional conduct, stressing that policing must remain rooted in respect for the rule of law and the rights of residents. The instruction represents another step in the command’s ongoing emphasis on discipline and accountability since Ewah assumed leadership of the Plateau State Police Command earlier this year.

Addressing members of the public, the commissioner encouraged residents to politely decline any unlawful attempt to inspect their phones and to report such incidents at the nearest police station or through the command’s designated complaint channels.

“The Command remains committed to protecting the lives, property and rights of law abiding residents in line with global best practices,” the statement added.

The warning comes against the backdrop of longstanding public concern in Nigeria over allegations that some officers have demanded access to mobile devices during stop and search operations.

Civil rights advocates have repeatedly argued that such practices undermine constitutional protections relating to privacy and due process, while police authorities have increasingly sought to reinforce lawful procedures through internal directives.

The latest reminder also aligns with Commissioner Ewah’s broader message since taking office.

In recent months, the Plateau State Police Command has combined tougher security operations against armed criminals with repeated calls for officers to uphold professionalism, discipline and respect for citizens while carrying out their duties.

Although the directive does not introduce a new legal provision, it serves as a significant operational reminder for officers and reassurance for residents that the command expects policing standards to be consistent with the law.

Also read: Jigawa police arrest 8, recover 3,427 illicit drugs

By publicly restating the requirement for a court warrant before any phone search, the Plateau State Police Command has underscored its commitment to balancing effective law enforcement with the protection of fundamental rights.