Video: Outrage As NDLEA Officer Insists On Searching Phones And Houses

A brief encounter between a passenger and an officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has triggered a wave of public outrage and debate over the extent of the agency’s search powers.

In a viral video shared on X, the officer was seen checking passengers’ phones during a stop-and-search operation. When questioned about his right to inspect phones or enter private homes, the officer responded, “Am I a police? Do you think I’m a police? I can enter your house anyhow, even without a warrant. My ID card permits me to do so.”

The remark quickly drew criticism from Nigerians who accused the officer of abuse of power and disregard for citizens’ privacy rights.

X user @ItsCletuss_ described the statement as “pure abuse of power,” adding that no officer has the right to invade privacy or enter anyone’s home without a warrant. Another user, @MarvellousIsra3, called the officer’s boast “an example of law enforcement acting lawless,” lamenting that “absolute power has made some forget the rule of law.”

Similarly, @Kelvin_Azino condemned the comment as “totally wrong” and “a breach of privacy that is punishable despite your nonsense ID card.” In the same tone, @CyrilEbuka7 reminded the agency that NDLEA officers are “not allowed to search phones or devices,” but only homes, cars, or bags for drugs.

Legal-minded users also weighed in. @Barristerfran14 explained, “There is no law in Nigeria giving NDLEA or any security agency the right to randomly check people’s phones. An NDLEA officer cannot legally check your phone simply because they are an officer.”

While some argued the officer was technically correct under certain circumstances, others stressed that such powers must follow due process. @Grok noted, “Under Section 41 of the NDLEA Act, officers may enter and search any land, building, or vehicle without a warrant only if they reasonably suspect drug involvement.”

But not everyone saw a problem. @kingkhone4real defended the officer, writing, “Anything to end drug trafficking, yahoo and terrorism in Nigeria — even if it takes human rights abuses. I just want to see a safer society.”

However, many rejected that stance. @Non_Conformist warned, “If these nonsenses don’t stop in Nigeria, I fear for the future of that country. Don’t push Nigerians to the wall.”

Others took a sarcastic tone. @charles_maney quipped, “Imagine having an ID card that gives you divine access to people’s houses without a warrant — make he still use am enter Heaven.”

Some users highlighted the risk of citizens retaliating against perceived abuse. @kachisnipes said, “These people get luck they didn’t legalise pew pew in Nigeria… enter my house na if you no go enter God’s house next.”

A few shared personal experiences. @Richie_OG_147 recounted, “There was a day NDLEA officers stopped me to search my car. When they found nothing, one said, ‘Let me check your phone.’ The man saw Cristiano Ronaldo’s kids’ photo and shouted, ‘Yahoo boy!’”

Others called for institutional reform. @FadaChristmas_ described the situation as “a reflection of Nigeria’s broken law enforcement system,” saying, “This country needs a serious retraining for all security agencies. But who will initiate it?”

Adding a broader perspective, @Nwaoma wrote, “When those meant to uphold the law begin to act above it, impunity becomes the new uniform. Every security agency now operates without restraint, and that’s dangerous.”

The NDLEA has yet to issue an official statement on the video, though many Nigerians have called on the agency’s leadership to clarify the limits of its officers’ powers.

As @PaulBugri summed it up, “This needs to be addressed immediately. If you don’t have my name on a warrant, my electronic device shouldn’t be in a stranger’s hand.”

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