₦airaland Forum

Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejob[/b]i, on Saturday, [b]sparked a heated debate on social media after stating that the Nigerian law empowered police operatives to break into homes without a search warrant.

The controversy began when an social media user, Somto Okonkwo, shared a video showing masked policemen forcefully entering a house by scaling the fence.

The video shows the officers firing shots after the occupants refused to open the gate of the house for them.

But the police later gained access to the building by scaling the fence.

Reacting to the video, an X user, Joseph Tobore, Adejobi’s statement contravened 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.”

In his comment, a netizen with X handle ‘Dipo’, said, “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.”

Responding to the backlash, Adejobi defended the actions of the police, stating, “The police have the power to break into any house or place where they are reasonably convinced an offence is being committed.”

He further explained that breaking into homes was allowed in the law, with a caution 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, an X user, Ben Samuel, criticised Adejobi’s remarks, saying “Your statement lacks clarity, sir. The police do not have the authority to ‘break into any house or place’ without a valid warrant. There is no difference between the actions of these undisciplined officers and those of armed robbers, and they must face strict punishment for such misconduct. Legal duties cannot be carried out using unlawful methods,” he wrote.

But the Force PRO further said, “No matter how they review the law, no amendment would strip the police of its powers. They can only review the procedure of exercising its powers. And note that not in all cases do we require a warrant to search or arrest. Read the law and understand. There are many laws guiding the operations of the police, and they are sacrosanct.”

“The police have the power to break into any house or place where they are reasonably convinced an offence is being committed.”

PresidObi:
But of course, when the person in Aso Rock got in there by "seize it, grab it, carry it and run with it"

What else do you expect apart from a set of lawless 8institutions and a bunch of never do wells running your most important offices.

Motor park touts government.

helinues:
Toh

Court warrant is not issued at night

Dogalmighty17:
You break into my house, you use your face to stop a bullet. Mind you I didn't shoot at you. I only sent a bullet down a straight path. You unfortunately just choose to drag right of way with the bullet.

EmmyDJourno:
What’s trespassing again, this Yoruba government is the most Olodo in the history of Nigeria

MasterJayJay:
You break in, destroy properties and find no criminal. Will you repair what you have damaged? No! You leave like criminals because you are one. Criminals do not fix a damage they have done.

able20:
Ordinary Yaya Bello EFCC can not arrest.