Lagos CP warns officers: Don’t search phones, focus on vehicles

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, has cautioned officers against searching citizens’ mobile phones, stressing that such actions are not permitted under current policing guidelines.

Fatai gave the directive in a video shared by News Central TV on Tuesday, where he emphasised professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights during police operations.

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.”Punch