Delta PPRO insists police can check women’s belongings

DDM News

The Delta State Police Command has defended its officers’ right to search passengers’ belongings at checkpoints for security purposes.

A viral video shared on Wednesday showed officers thoroughly searching passengers’ luggage, boxes, and sealed waybill packages during a road trip.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the incident occurred on a journey from Benin to Owerri, where passengers, including women and children, were subjected to extensive security checks.

According to the woman who posted the video, the search lasted about an hour, causing significant delays for travelers.

Many social media users criticized the officers, questioning the legality and necessity of such thorough inspections at police checkpoints.

In response, Delta State Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe defended the officers’ actions in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

He asserted that police officers have the legal authority to inspect passengers’ belongings during stop-and-search operations for security reasons.

Edafe questioned whether the same criticism would arise if dangerous weapons had been discovered during the routine search.

“What if they had recovered Beretta pistols and ammunition? Would you still be asking this question?” he asked.

He further explained that while male officers cannot physically search a woman, they are allowed to inspect her belongings.

“The police were right and can search all items, including waybills, during the course of stop-and-search duty,” he stated.

He emphasized that only a physical search of women by male officers is restricted, but searching their belongings remains within the law.

His statement sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting the police’s security measures while others criticized the inconvenience caused to travelers.

Many Nigerians expressed concerns over possible harassment and the legality of prolonged searches at police checkpoints across the country.

Some argued that while security is important, searches must be conducted without unnecessary delays or violations of personal rights.

Others insisted that such thorough inspections could help prevent the transportation of illegal arms and contraband across state borders.

The debate highlights the ongoing struggle between law enforcement’s duty to ensure safety and citizens’ rights to privacy and convenience.

Stop-and-search operations remain a key crime prevention strategy, but proper guidelines must be followed to maintain public trust.

Ensuring officers act within legal and ethical boundaries is crucial to balancing security measures with respect for citizens’ rights.

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