The Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has sparked a wave of outrage on social media following his assertion that Nigerian law gives police officers the authority to break into homes without a warrant in certain situations.
The controversy began after a video was shared by X (formerly Twitter) user Somto Okonkwo, showing masked police officers scaling a fence, firing shots, and eventually forcing their way into a home when residents refused to open the gate. The officers were seen climbing the fence to enter the building.
Adejobi’s comments in response to the video led to widespread criticism on the platform. One user, Joseph Tobore, pointed out that Adejobi’s justification appeared to contradict Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy.
Tobore wrote, “Any law that does not align with the Constitution is not a valid law. Prince (Adejobi), please educate Nigerians on Section 37 and explain how this aligns with the law.”
Another user, ‘Great Oracle Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary,’ raised concerns about the police’s approach, asking, “How is this consistent with proper police operations? Officers, masked and without a warrant, fired live rounds and trespassed on private property. Is this standard procedure? An armed citizen could have shot one of these officers.”
‘Dipo’ echoed similar concerns, saying, “Uniform is no longer a proof of authority because criminals and terrorists wear them too. Only professional conduct validates real operatives.”
Despite the backlash, Adejobi defended the actions of the officers, claiming that the law grants police the right to break into any property where they believe an offence is being committed, provided proper procedures are followed.
“The police have the power to break into any house or place if they are reasonably convinced that a crime is taking place,” Adejobi explained. “There are many laws governing police operations, and they must be followed.”
He continued, “Not all situations require a warrant for a search or arrest. The law allows police to break in and out when necessary to prevent crime or apprehend criminals.”
However, many critics remained unconvinced by his defense. X user Ben Samuel rebuked Adejobi’s statement, arguing, “Your statement lacks clarity. Police cannot break into homes without a warrant. Such actions are akin to armed robbery, and officers must face serious penalties for any misconduct. Legal duties cannot be executed through unlawful means.”
In his response, Adejobi maintained that while procedures could be refined, the police’s powers remain intact.
“No matter how the laws are amended, police powers remain unchanged,” he said. “Only procedures might change, but the authority to act in emergencies remains.”
