Femi Ashekun/
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has directed officers under his command to desist from searching the mobile phones of members of the public, stressing that such actions are unlawful and constitute a breach of citizens’ rights.
Fatai made the statement during an appearance on News Central Television on Tuesday, where he addressed concerns about police conduct and the need to rebuild public confidence in law enforcement.
His remarks have since gone viral across social media platforms, drawing widespread reactions.
According to the police chief, officers are not empowered to access personal digital content on the roadside under any circumstances.
He explained that any legitimate investigation involving a suspect’s phone must follow due process and be handled at designated police facilities, particularly by specialised units such as the cybercrime department.
“Our men have been warned not to search any phone from any individual,” Fatai said during the interview, reiterating that routine policing duties do not include probing private devices without proper authorisation.
He further affirmed the right of citizens to record police officers while on duty, noting that transparency is essential to accountability in modern policing.
“Anybody can record any police officer at his duty post. As long as the officer is doing the right thing, there is nothing to fear about being recorded,” he said.
Fatai added that officers are encouraged to remain professional at all times, as public recordings could serve as evidence in cases of misconduct or, conversely, protect officers from false allegations.
The commissioner’s remarks come amid recurring complaints of harassment and extortion involving phone searches at checkpoints and on the streets of Lagos.
Civil society organisations and legal experts have consistently maintained that such searches violate constitutional rights to privacy and due process unless backed by a court order or clear legal grounds.
The Lagos State Police Command has, in recent months, reiterated its commitment to discipline and accountability, with several officers reportedly sanctioned over misconduct.
Fatai’s latest directive is seen as part of ongoing efforts to align policing practices with the rule of law and restore public trust.
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