[Analysis] Does the Police Have the Right to Search People's Phones Without A Warrant

 Sometimes, Nigerians complain that some officers of the Nigerian police force have on one or two occasions forcefully gone through their phones or laptops. Sometimes, attempts to resist the officer from going through their phones ends in quarrels and sometimes, violence.

Photo credit: vox.com

Therefore, this article will expose us to what the law says about officers going through someone’s phone or laptops

The only time a police officer has the right to search your phone is when they suspect that you use the phone for fraudulent activities and if they suspect that the phone was stolen. However, before they can search the phone, they have to obtain a warrant that was signed by the magistrate or the judge of a High Court.

Although the general rights of the police allows them to detect and prevent crime, it does not give them the right to search people's phones and laptops at will. More so, the content of your phone is your private property, and you have the right to your privacy as established by the Nigerian constitution.

Therefore, if a police officer checks your phone without a warrant, you have the right to report him or her disciplinary actions to be taken against him or her.

If the officer insists that a report was made against you and that is the reason why he or she wants to go through your phone, you can demand for the officer to take you to their station so that you can see the entry that was made against you.

Photo credit: Askelgapalace.com

In conclusion, some people fall victims of violence and arguments with police officers because they are not well-educated about their rights. Therefore, this is why this article can be helpful for those who wish to learn about their rights when their phone is being searched.

Finally, the purpose of their article is to educate the general public on some of their rights and not to incite them to become arrogant towards the officer. Even when you are within your rights, your manner of approach matters a lot.

    Reference Sources:     

https://punchng.com/do-policemen-have-right-to-search-peoples-phones-laptops/

https://www.burtoncopeland.com/news/do-police-have-right-search-your-phone/

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