Can Police Search Women’s Bags? Delta PPRO Weighs in on Officers’ Rights

SP Bright Edafe, spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, has defended officers who conducted baggage searches at a checkpoint on a road trip from Benin to Owerri.

The issue gained attention after a woman shared a viral video on Wednesday, showing officers inspecting passengers’ boxes, bags, and sealed waybill items. The search, she claimed, caused a one-hour delay for travelers, including mothers and children.

Police Justification for the Searches

Responding to public concerns on Thursday, Edafe posted on X (formerly Twitter) that police officers have the right to inspect all items, including waybills, during routine stop-and-search operations.

🔹 Security First: He argued that thorough searches are crucial for public safety.
🔹 Hypothetical Scenario: “What if they had recovered Beretta pistols and ammunition? Would you still be questioning the search?” he asked.

Clarification on Searching Women

Edafe also clarified that while male officers cannot physically search women, they can inspect their belongings.

“The police were right. They can search all items, including waybills. Male officers, however, cannot physically search a woman’s body—but they can check her property.”

His statement aimed to address concerns about police overreach while reinforcing the importance of security checks.