Delta Police Defend Stop-and-Search Operations, Say Officers Can Inspect Women’s Bags

The Delta State Police Command has defended the actions of its officers who conducted a thorough search of passengers’ belongings at a checkpoint during a road trip from Benin to Owerri.

The incident, which was captured in a viral video, showed officers searching boxes, luggage, and sealed waybill packages belonging to passengers, including mothers and children.

The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, responded to concerns raised about the search, stating that the police were within their rights to inspect all items, including waybills, during stop-and-search operations.

“What if they had recovered Beretta pistols and ammunition while carrying out this thorough search? Would you be asking this question?” Edafe questioned.

Edafe emphasized that such searches were necessary for security reasons and clarified that while male officers are not allowed to physically search a woman’s body, they have the authority to inspect her belongings.

“The police were right and can search all items, including waybills, during the course of stop-and-search duty. And yes, they can search the belongings of a woman. They are only not allowed to search a woman physically if they are male officers, but not their properties. Are we clear?” Edafe added.