Metro

Outrage As Force PRO Says Police Can Break Into Homes

Published

9 months ago

January 26, 2025

Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday, sparked a heated debate on X (formerly Twitter) after stating that the Nigerian law empowered police operatives to break into homes without a search warrant.

The controversy began when an X user, Somto Okonkwo, shared a video showing masked policemen forcefully entering a house by scaling the fence.

The video shows the officers firing shots after the occupants refused to open the gate of the house for them.

But the police later gained access to the building by scaling the fence.

Reacting to the video, an X user, Joseph Tobore, Adejobi’s statement contravened Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.

He said, “Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution is dead in the eyes of the police spokesman. Nigeria is in trouble if Prince can support breaking the laws and claim it’s their law. Be reminded that any law that is not in conformity with the Constitution is no law. Prince, I challenge you: educate Nigerians on Section 37 and ask yourself how this statement makes sense.”

Another x user identified as ‘Great Oracle Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary’ questioned the police’s actions, saying, “How’s this consistent with the force operations? Officers turned up masked, without a warrant, opened live rounds, and climbed (actually trespassed) into a property—and this is standard operation? An armed citizen would have shot this officer.”

In his comment, a netizen with X handle ‘Dipo’, said, “Uniform is no longer proof of authority because criminals, bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers have been known to operate wearing the same uniform. Only professional conduct can validate true operatives.”

Responding to the backlash, Adejobi defended the actions of the police, stating, “The police have the power to break into any house or place where they are reasonably convinced an offence is being committed.”

He further explained that breaking into homes was allowed in the law, with a caution that “all you need is to follow the procedure. Powers to break in and break out, not only in the East, it’s the law of the land.”

However, an X user, Ben Samuel, criticised Adejobi’s remarks, saying “Your statement lacks clarity, sir. The police do not have the authority to ‘break into any house or place’ without a valid warrant. There is no difference between the actions of these undisciplined officers and those of armed robbers, and they must face strict punishment for such misconduct. Legal duties cannot be carried out using unlawful methods,” he wrote.

But the Force PRO further said, “No matter how they review the law, no amendment would strip the police of its powers. They can only review the procedure of exercising its powers. And note that not in all cases do we require a warrant to search or arrest. Read the law and understand. There are many laws guiding the operations of the police, and they are sacrosanct.”

Metro

16-year-old Killed As NDLEA Operatives, Drug Barons Clash In Edo

Published

6 hours ago

October 30, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, and drug barons reportedly clashed at Okpuje, Uzeba community in Owan West Local Government Area, leading to the death of a 16 -years -old boy, identified as Emmanuel Monday George.

Two others identified as God’spower Omage (20 years) and Ajayi Irobia (54 years), were said to have sustained serious injuries during the gun duel which reportedly happened on Monday.

Mitchell Ofoyeju, state commander of the NDLEA disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin on Thursday.

Ofoyeju said that one of its officers sustained an injury after being struck on the hand with a sharp object.

Recall that Army and NDLEA officers were recently attacked by drug barons in the agrarian community, notable for cannabis cultivation.

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Store At Abuja Mall

Published

9 hours ago

October 30, 2025

Editor

A fire incident occurred at the Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja in the early hours of Thursday.

The cause of the fire, which started around 3am, could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

It was gathered that only the Adidas Sports shop was affected.

It was further gathered that firefighters from the Federal Fire Service, the Berger Fire Department, and the FCT Fire Service, as well as police officers, were deployed to the scene.

A resident of Jabi, Saliu, who informed our correspondent of the incident, said the fire had been contained.

He said, “Around 3am., this morning, there was a fire incident at the Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja. No loss of life or injury was recorded. Only the Adidas Sports shop was affected by the fire.”

The FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident to The PUNCH.

Adeh said police officers were deployed to the location to secure the area and prevent looting.

“We received a distress call at about 3:40 a.m. We immediately deployed our men there to secure the place and prevent any breach of public order,” she said.

Metro

JUST IN: Hausa, Benin Youths Clash Over Killing Of Suspected Yahoo Boy

Published

22 hours ago

October 29, 2025

Editor

Photo: file copy

Several persons were on Wednesday night injured in a clash between Hausa and Benin youths, in Ogheghe community, Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, over the killing of a suspected yahoo boy identified as Chizi Benz.

According to sources, Chizi Benz was said to have been stabbed to death by a Hausa youth over a sour deal.

Though details of the deal were not available as at press time, the killing of Chidi Benz sparked outrage as youths stormed the streets with dangerous weapons in a revenge mission.

According to sources, many ‘Abokis’ were injured in a reprisal attack while others fled for safety.

News of the killing was to have spread to nearby communities of Uwelu along the Siluko Axis, forcing Hausa youths who do petty trading and rides okada closed their businesses and fled for safety.

According to sources, policemen who were deployed to the area fired tear gas to disperse the angry youths.

Edo Police Spokesman, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident, promised to send a detailed statement.

He was yet to do so as at press time.