Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday, stirred a heated controversy on X (previously Twitter) after declaring that the Nigerian law empowered police operatives to break into residences without a search warrant.
The uproar began when an X user, Somto Okonkwo, published a video showing masked policeman aggressively invading a property by scaling the fence.
When the residents refused to open the house’s gate for the authorities, the officers are shown on camera firing bullets.
However, the police scaled the fence to enter the building.
Joseph Tobore, an X user, responded to the video by claiming that Adejobi’s remarks violated Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.
He said, “Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution is dead in the eyes of the police spokesman. Nigeria is in trouble if Prince can support breaking the laws and claim it’s their law. Be reminded that any law that is not in conformity with the Constitution is no law. Prince, I challenge you, educate Nigerians on Section 37 and ask yourself how this statement makes sense.”
Another x user identified as ‘Great Oracle Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary’ questioned the police’s actions, saying, “How’s this consistent with the force operations? Officers turned up masked, without a warrant, opened live rounds, and climbed (actually trespassed) into a property—and this is standard operation? An armed citizen would have shot this officer.”
A netizen with the X handle “Dipo” commented, “Uniform is no longer proof of authority because criminals, bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers have been known to operate wearing the same uniform. Only professional conduct can validate true operatives.”
In response to the criticism, Adejobi defended police actions by saying, “The police have the power to break into any house or place where they are reasonably convinced an offense is being committed.”
He clarified that breaking into homes was permitted by law, adding that “all you need is to follow the procedure. Powers to break in and break out, not only in the East, it’s the law of the land.
However, Adejobi’s comments were criticized by X user Ben Samuel, who said, “Your statement lacks clarity, sir.”Without a legal warrant, the police are not allowed to “break into any house or place.”These unruly officers’ acts are no different from those of armed robbers, and they must be severely punished for their misbehavior. Illegal means cannot be used to fulfill legal obligations,” he stated.
“No matter how they review the law, no amendment would strip the police of its powers,” the Force PRO added .All they can do is examine how its powers are used.Keep in mind that we don’t always need a warrant in order to search or make an arrest. Read and comprehend the law.Numerous rules govern how the police operate, and they are untouchable.