The Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has sparked nationwide criticism following his assertion that police officers are empowered by law to break into homes without a warrant under certain circumstances.
The controversy began after a viral video shared by an X (formerly Twitter) user, Somto Okonkwo, showed masked police officers scaling a fence and firing shots after the occupants 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 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.”
His comments immediately drew sharp criticism on social media. Many users argued that Adejobi’s justification contradicted Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy.
One user, Joseph Tobore, wrote, “Any law that is not in conformity with the Constitution is no law. Prince (Adejobi), educate Nigerians on Section 37 and explain how this aligns with the law.”
Another commentator, ‘Great Oracle Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary,’ raised concerns about the officers’ conduct, saying, “Masked officers firing live rounds and trespassing into private property without a warrant? This is standard operation? An armed citizen could have shot this officer.”
Similarly, a user identified as ‘Dipo’ stated, “Uniform is no longer proof of authority because criminals and terrorists also wear them. Only professional conduct validates true operatives.”
Despite the backlash, Adejobi reiterated that the law permits officers to act without a warrant in emergencies.
“Not all situations require a warrant for search or arrest. The law allows the police powers to break in and break out when necessary,” he added.
Critics, however, remained unconvinced. Ben Samuel, a user on X, wrote, “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.”
Adejobi responded by clarifying that while police procedures could be refined through legal reforms, the fundamental powers of law enforcement would remain intact.
“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,” he said.
