Nonsochukwu Uwa, Owerri
The Imo State Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed Barde, on Monday warned police officers in the state, to stop searching people’s phones, laptops, and palm tops among others.
He gave this warning in a statement he issued to newsmen in Owerri, through the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Michael Abattam.
The commissioner of police said the warning to police officers came following the series of complaints from the youths in the state, on how the police officers were harassing them and searching phones and laptops.
According to the CP, “Sequel to series of complaints received from members of the public, especially from the youth alleging indiscriminate harassment and illegal checking of their phones, palm tops, laptops and demand of tinted glass permits on the road by police officers thereby causing untold hardships to them and in the process, embarrassing the Command.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, psc(+) frowns at this unwholesome negative attitudes exhibited by policemen, and warned in strong terms, that all Police Officers while on patrols/stop and search duties who are in the habit of harassing youths and checking their Phones, Palmtops, Laptops and demanding for tinted glass permit to stop such act forthwith in the State.”
“In the same vein, he advised the youths to ensure that, they respect the rule of law and desist from using black cellophane to create artificially tinted glasses for the vehicle but those with factory-fitted tinted glasses are free to use them without permits. Also, those in the habit of using spy number plates, covering their car number plates or replacing same with designed logos of the make of their vehicles should desist from such illegal acts as anyone caught, his/her vehicle will be impounded and the owner will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPO) and Tactical Teams Commanders of the various units in the Command to ensure their subordinates are warned against indulging in these practices as any Police Officer found complicit will be made to face disciplinary actions. Furthermore, he directed that Officers and men should be professional and uphold international best practices and exercise their duty to the general public devoid of any form of victimization,” Police said.
