The new commissioner of police in Kwara State, Paul Odama, has vo wed to deal with any of his officers who engaged in arbitrary search of residents’ phones.

Odama stated this on Thursday during his maiden press briefing in the state.

He replaced Tuesday Assoyomo, who retired in August.

According to him, “I want to reiterate that policemen have no right to randomly stop any citizen and demand for his/her telephone handsets for search, except perhaps, the phone is a proceed of crime or for purposes of investigation.

“And even that should be done in the police station and my policemen are well aware of this fact. Any policeman caught in this illegal act would be dealt with accordingly,” Odama, who is also a chartered accountant noted.

The new police boss assured that he would provide a level playing field for all political actors in the state irrespective of party affiliation, region or tribe, adding that any politician that violates election rules would be dealt with accordingly.

He advised would-be law breakers and criminal elements in the state to relocate as he was prepared to work with state and non-state security actors to make Kwara unbearable for them.

Odama said “The command is also ready to advance the community policing mantra of the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Usman Alkali Baba, for effective community participation to secure Kwara.