No Law Authorises Anybody To Search A Police Officer – Ex-AIG

A former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr Tunji Cualcrick, says there is no part of the Nigerian Constitution that allows anyone to search a police officer.

He stated this on Tuesday during his appearance on a special programme on Channels Television, The Inauguration.

“Of course, I served 33 years in the police; I did not see any section of the law that authorises anybody to search a police officer before he searches you,” he affirmed.

Mr Cualcrick made the comment in response to a question regarding a series of tweets posted by the Nigeria Police Force two weeks ago.

In a piece entitled ‘Tips For Safe And Cordial Conducts During An Arrest Situation’ and tweeted on May 13, 2019, the police said Nigerians can request to search its personnel.

“You may politely request that the officer be searched before searching you,” the Force said.

It added, “Often times, this helps to allay fears that someone may be trying to ‘plant’ incriminating items on you or implicate you in any other way.

“If the arrest requires the officer to conduct a search on you, demand to see the Search Warrant and comply with all legitimate instruction during the search (Note that there are a lot of instances where a policeman can search you with or without warrant).

Arrest situations can easily turn violent. If not properly handled, it can portray you as a hostile person or give the impression that you are resisting arrest which on its own constitutes an offence, therefore:

Do not resist arrest. Even if you believe that the arrest is illegal or uncalled for, allow the arrest to take place without any incident.

Note that resisting arrest could lead to an encounter that might result in harm, injuries and/or permanent disabilities or death to you or even the officer arresting you.

It is, therefore, better to allow the arrest to take place without an incident and thereafter seek redress and appropriate sanction against the police.