The Delta State Police Command has justified the actions of officers who thoroughly inspect passengers’ belongings at checkpoints.
The police affirm the rights of officers while reacting to a video where a police officer was thoroughly ransacking a woman’s personal belongings at a checkpoint during a journey from Benin to Owerri.
The woman who documented the incident in a viral video on Wednesday reported that officers meticulously searched boxes, luggage, and sealed waybill packages belonging to travellers, including women and children.
The passengers were reportedly delayed for about an hour due to the extensive screening.
Addressing public concerns on Thursday via X, the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, defended the officers, asserting that they had the legal authority to examine all items, including waybills, during stop-and-search operations.
He stressed that such measures were crucial for security and posed a rhetorical question about the reaction had dangerous weapons been discovered.
“What if they had recovered Beretta pistols and ammunition during this thorough search? Would this still be questioned?” he asked.
Edafe further clarified that while male officers are prohibited from physically searching a woman, they are permitted to inspect her belongings.
“The police have the right to search all items, including waybills, during stop-and-search operations.
“However, male officers cannot conduct physical searches on women, but they can check their possessions. Are we clear?” he added.
