The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has ignited widespread controversy on X (formerly Twitter) after asserting that Nigerian law empowers police officers to break into homes without a search warrant under certain circumstances.
The debate arose after a video shared by an X user, Somto Okonkwo, showed masked police officers scaling a fence and forcefully entering a property. The officers reportedly fired shots after the occupants refused to open the gate.
In response, Adejobi defended the officers’ actions, stating, “The police have the power to break into any house or place where they are reasonably convinced an offence is being committed. This is the law of the land, provided the procedure is followed.”
However, his remarks faced backlash from numerous users on the platform.
An X user, Joseph Tobore, argued that Adejobi’s stance violated Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy. Tobore wrote, “Any law that contradicts the Constitution is void. This statement undermines constitutional rights. Educate Nigerians on Section 37 instead.”
Another user, identified as ‘Great Oracle Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary,’ questioned the legitimacy of the officers’ actions, stating, “Masked officers, no warrant, firing live rounds, and trespassing—how is this standard operation? An armed citizen would have seen this as a threat.”
Similarly, a user with the handle ‘Dipo’ expressed distrust in the police, citing instances where criminals and kidnappers disguised themselves in uniforms. “Professional conduct, not uniforms, validates true law enforcement,” he noted.
Despite the criticism, Adejobi maintained that the law permits police officers to break into homes when necessary, emphasizing that no amendment could strip the police of this power. “The law allows for breaking in and breaking out under specific conditions. While a warrant is required in some cases, it’s not always mandatory. Read and understand the laws governing police operations,” he added.
The heated debate underscores the tension between law enforcement practices and constitutional rights in Nigeria. Critics have called for greater clarity on the procedures for exercising police powers and stricter accountability to prevent abuse.
