Police PRO defends officers’ right to break into homes, sparks outrage

The Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, sparked widespread outrage on social media on Saturday after asserting that Nigerian law empowers police officers to break into homes without a warrant under certain circumstances.

The controversy erupted following a video shared by an X (formerly Twitter) user, Somto Okonkwo. The footage showed masked police officers scaling a fence and firing shots after residents of a house refused to open the gate. The officers eventually forced their way into the building by climbing over the fence.

Reacting to the video, Adejobi’s remarks ignited criticism from various users on X. One commenter, Joseph Tobore, argued that Adejobi’s justification contradicts Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens’ right to privacy. Tobore said, “Any law that is not in conformity with the Constitution is no law. Prince (Adejobi), educate Nigerians on Section 37 and explain how this statement aligns with the law.”

Another user, identified as ‘Great Oracle Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary,’ questioned the police’s methods, stating, “How is this consistent with force operations? Officers, masked and without a warrant, opened live rounds and trespassed into private property. This is standard operation? An armed citizen could have shot this officer.”

Echoing the concern, a user with the handle ‘Dipo’ remarked, “Uniform is no longer proof of authority because criminals and terrorists also wear them. Only professional conduct validates true operatives.”

Despite the backlash, 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 power is enshrined in the law, provided proper procedures are followed.”

He further elaborated, “There are many laws guiding police operations, and they are sacrosanct. Not all situations require a warrant for search or arrest. The law allows the police powers to break in and break out when necessary.”*

However, critics remained unconvinced. An X user, Ben Samuel, rebuked Adejobi’s comments, saying, “Your statement lacks clarity. The police cannot break into any house without a valid warrant. Such actions mirror those of armed robbers, and officers must face strict penalties for misconduct. Legal duties cannot be performed using unlawful methods.”

Responding, Adejobi maintained his stance, stressing that while amendments could refine procedures, they would not strip the police of their powers.
He added, “No matter how laws are reviewed, police powers remain intact. Only procedures may change, but the authority to act in emergencies remains the law of the land.”

The debate has fueled public concerns over police accountability and respect for constitutional rights in the conduct of law enforcement operations.