Police has no right to search people's phones - Aba Group

A  group known as Youth Advocates For Peace Justice And Empowerment, has declared that "Police do not have the right to search people's phones "at checkpoints as often witnessed on the Nigeria roads, describing such act as a crude violation of citizens' privacy.

The National President of the group,  Ugwumba Chika, who stated this in Umuahia while reacting to the recent killing of Aba-based business man, Emmanuel Okocha,  by a trigger-happy police Corporal at a checkpoint in Aba, demanded justice for the victim.

The rights activist who said his group had been inundated with complaints of police intimidation from members of the public, called on Police Authorities to quickly address allegations of human rights abuses by its personnel.

He frowned at the activities of some bad eggs in the force "whose modus operandi negates the rule of engagement expected from police officers."

"Police have no right to check people’s phones on the roads, streets or in their cars", he fumed, adding that "people have a right to self dignity which is a fundamental human right."

Continuing he said, "Prying into people’s privacy including checking their phones and laptops is tantamount to violating their rights to self dignity."

He, however, acknowledged that "the police have the responsibility to conduct ‘stop and search’ on any property or a personal belonging that they have reasonable suspicions that it is a subject of crime."

The rights activist urged members of the public to report any police personnel that searched their phones.

 "If a policeman searches your phone on the road, you have the right to report that policeman for disciplinary action to be taken. 

"You have the right not to release your phone to police for search except there is a report that your phone was used for crime."

He lamented the killing of the late Okocha by the 'calous Corporal'  "simply because he refused to tip an officer," describing the act as the height of cruelty.

Condoling with the family of the victim, the rights activist urged the Police hierarchy to ensure that the culprit did not escape justice.

He, however, commended the Commissioner of Police,
 Mr Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, for his relentless efforts in checkmating the activities of criminal elements terrorising residents.

The rights activist noted that Abia had been in the news for the wrong reasons following the activities of cultists and 'One chance' robbery syndicate.

According to his words, "the CP has through intelligence gathering, intensive raids on criminal hideouts and visible patrols, risen to the occasion in curtailing the activities of the men of the underworld."

He, therefore urged him to sustain the tempo but also watch against rights abuse by his officers and men.