Refusing Police entry to your home is an offence – Police PRO, Edafe

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, has clarified that it is unlawful to deny police officers access to or exit from a residence.

Edafe made this statement on Saturday via a post on X, reacting to a viral video showing a group of young men refusing to allow individuals dressed as police officers into their building.

In the video, the men, who claimed to be content creators and not internet fraudsters, questioned the legitimacy of the officers, especially since some of them were wearing masks. The situation escalated when one of the officers fired a shot into the air, and another gained entry by scaling the fence.

Addressing the issue, Edafe noted that while wearing masks is prohibited for members of the Nigeria Police Force, it remains an offence for individuals to deny police officers access to or exit from a property.

“Wearing a mask as a policeman is a red flag and its not allowed in Policing. However we all should stop thinking that it is right to lock the police either outside or inside, thats another offense on its own,” he wrote.

“That incident cant be defended simply because the policemen were on masked. We are waiting for information to know where it transpired so that proper investigation will be carries out.”

Edafe wondered why the men said they were not internet fraudsters when the police never asked them any question.