The Rivers State Police Command has warned members of the public that no police officer has the legal authority to search personal devices such as mobile phones or laptops on the road or at checkpoints.
This was made known following the Command moves to curb a rising trend of extortion by impostors posing as security operatives.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed that the Command’s attention had been drawn to the activities of individuals wearing black attire and falsely presenting themselves as police officers to harass and extort unsuspecting citizens across the state.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olugbenga Adepoju, has activated a robust monitoring mechanism aimed at identifying, arresting and prosecuting all persons involved in the illegal acts to the full extent of the law.
The Command stressed that no individual, irrespective of any claimed affiliation, is permitted to conduct roadside searches of citizens’ phones or laptops, nor compel anyone to follow them to withdraw or transfer money through POS operators or financial institutions.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity or hostile checkpoints encountered within the state.
To aid swift response, the Police provided the following emergency contacts: the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) on 07057605256, 08120822987 and 09035774814; the Police Public Relations Officer on 09014273818; and the Control Room on 08032003514.
The Rivers State Police Command reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order, while appealing for continued cooperation with legitimate police operations to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
For More Details, Visit New Daily Prime at www.newdailyprime.news
