The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has cautioned officers against searching citizens’ mobile phones, stressing that such actions are not permitted under current policing guidelines.
The CP gave the directive in a video shared by News Central TV on Tuesday, emphasizing professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights during police operations.
In the clip, CP Fatai said members of the public are free to record officers on duty, provided they are carrying out lawful activities.
He noted that officers have nothing to fear from being recorded if they act within the law, adding that accountability applies on both sides.
“When we know that what we are doing is the right thing, we shouldn’t entertain any fears of anybody recording us.
“You can record us. We can record you as well. It’s on both sides. So we are not entertaining anybody.
“Anybody can record any police officer at his duty post. In as much as the police officer is doing the right thing, he has nothing to fear about recording.
“So yeah, anybody can record us while we are carrying out our lawful duty.”
The police chief reiterated that officers have been clearly instructed to avoid searching phones and instead focus on their core responsibilities.
He said, “Our men have been warned not to search any phone from any individual. We are there to search the vehicles.”
Fatai explained that police checks are primarily aimed at verifying passengers and ensuring they are not boarding vehicles operated by criminals.
“We are there to know who and who is inside the vehicle and to be assured that the people have boarded the right vehicle and not the vehicles of these hoodlums who will take them to destinations where they are not supposed to be,” he also said.
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