The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, has defended the right of police officers to inspect women’s belongings during stop-and-search operations, insisting that such actions are necessary for security purposes.
Edafe made the statement in response to a viral video posted by a female traveler, who complained about the extensive luggage searches conducted by officers during a road trip from Benin to Owerri.
According to the traveler, passengers were delayed for over an hour as their belongings were thoroughly checked.
Reacting to the backlash, Edafe took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to assert the police’s authority to inspect all items, including waybills, during security checks.
He questioned the criticism, arguing that if the search had led to the discovery of dangerous weapons, the public reaction would have been different.
“What if they had recovered Beretta pistols and ammunition while carrying out this thorough search? Would you still be asking these questions?” he wrote.
The police spokesperson clarified that while male officers are prohibited from conducting physical body searches on women, they are fully authorized to inspect their personal 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?” he added.
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