The Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Victor Isuku, has stated that police officers have the legal right to force entry into a suspect’s residence — including breaking doors or entering through rooftops — if the individual is uncooperative during an arrest.
CSP Isuku made this known during a public engagement session held in Benin City, Edo State, at the premiere of the film Greatest Oath (The Rescue). The movie was produced by Ocean Portal in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking during the interactive session, Isuku emphasized the importance of public cooperation in law enforcement efforts. He urged members of the public not only to provide actionable intelligence that could lead to the arrest of suspects but also to refrain from obstructing officers during the process of apprehending suspects.
He warned, “The Police can break the door of an uncooperative suspect, enter his apartment through the roof or get into his premises by scaling the fence. Don’t hinder the police from arresting a suspect as you will also be arrested.”
The Deputy PRO cautioned against civilian interference, noting that any individual who attempts to obstruct a lawful arrest could face consequences, including arrest. He stressed the need for citizens to report any grievances they might have about police conduct through official channels rather than taking matters into their own hands.
“Don’t resort to self-help or throw tantrums when you feel your rights have been infringed upon by an officer. Report the matter to the police authorities. The complaint will be investigated, and if the officer is found wanting, disciplinary action will follow,” he said.
On the contentious issue of phone searches, Isuku clarified that while it is unethical for officers to arbitrarily stop individuals and search their devices, there are circumstances under which such actions are permissible. He explained that when a person is suspected of engaging in cybercrime, their phone becomes subject to lawful search.
“There are situations where a policeman can search your phone. If you are suspected to have committed a cybercrime, your phone will be checked. The police will not just stop you on the road and begin to search you; it is unethical. The IG frowns at such unethical practice,” he noted.
Addressing the issue of bail, the police spokesperson reiterated the official stance that bail is free. He encouraged Nigerians to carefully read bail forms before signing, emphasizing that the Inspector General of Police does not tolerate corruption or unethical behavior among officers.
Isuku also identified inadequate funding as a key challenge affecting the operations of law enforcement agencies across the country. He called on members of the public to consider supporting the police with basic logistics and operational tools, instead of offering money under any pretense.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Portal, Dickson Oviase, revealed that the movie Greatest Oath (The Rescue) drew inspiration from the events of the #EndSARS protests, during which numerous lives and properties were lost across various states in the federation.
He said, “The movie is inspired and birthed from the outcry of the #EndSARS saga. The police could not function in many states. The consciousness of the necessity of the presence of the Nigerian Police pervaded everywhere. For once, the vacuum of the absence of police in our society stared us in the face.”
Oviase stressed the need for mutual understanding and collaboration between the police and the public, stating that societal peace depends greatly on a functional and supported police force.
“Truth be told, there’s a need to show love to the police and vice versa as it will be chaotic if the police embark on an indefinite strike. Let’s come together and enhance community policing. God bless Nigeria,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the spokesperson for Zone Five, Tijani Momoh, highlighted the significance of the collaboration between Ocean Portal and the Nigeria Police Force. He said the partnership aims to raise awareness about the commitment of the police to ensuring safety and order in the country.
According to him, the police provided logistics and equipment to support the production of the film, which he described as a tool for bridging the gap between the force and the citizenry.