The Nigeria Police Force has sparked controversy after its spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that police personnel have the power to break into any property without a warrant if they suspect a crime is being committed.
This statement came in response to a viral video showing masked armed policemen invading a property without a warrant.
The video, which has sparked outrage, shows two masked policemen wearing improper attire and carrying AK-47 rifles, ordering the occupants of a house to open their gate.
When the occupants refused, the policemen scaled the fence, fired shots, and forced their way into the compound.
“Let’s clarify an issue here. The police have the power to break into any house or place where they are reasonably convinced an offence is being committed. That is understandable,” Adejobi said in a statement.
However, Adejobi condemned the actions of the officers involved, acknowledging that their behavior was unacceptable.
“But I am not too ok with their dressing and appearance. It is improper dressing. Policemen are not allowed to wear masks or tie head gear. These are two issues we need to iron out,” he added.
According to the Police Act, police officers have the power to arrest with or without a warrant, as well as the power to search premises without a warrant if they have reasonable grounds to believe an offense is being committed.
The Criminal Procedure Act also grants police officers the power to break into any house for the purpose of liberation or to prevent the commission of an offense.
While the police have the authority to enter properties under certain circumstances, the use of excessive force and improper attire, as seen in the viral video, is unacceptable and has raised concerns about police brutality and accountability.