Lagos Police Chief Warns Officers Against Searching Citizens’ Phones
Lagos Police Commissioner Tijani Fatai has ordered officers to stop searching private mobile phones. He also encouraged citizens to record police activities to ensure transparency.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has recently issued a firm reminder to his team. He stated clearly that officers on duty must not search the mobile phones of citizens. This announcement aims to protect personal privacy and ensure that police operations across the state stay fair and open. Fatai wants the public to know that the force is committed to transparent policing and accountability.
The police chief also addressed the common practice of filming officers. He noted that his staff have no reason to fear being recorded while they perform their lawful duty. In his view, recording interactions helps both the public and the police stay honest. Fatai told the press: “I want you to know that what we are doing is the right thing. We are not entertaining any fear at all of anybody recording us. You can record us. We can record you as well. It’s on both sides. So we are not entertaining any fear. Anybody can record any police officer at his duty post in as much as he is doing the right thing. You have nothing to fear about recording. So anybody can record us while we are carrying out our lawful duty.”
The Commissioner explained that the main goal of roadside checks is commuter safety, not reading private messages. Officers are trained to inspect vehicles and identify the people inside. This helps prevent residents from accidentally entering cars used by criminals or hoodlums.
Fatai confirmed that specific orders have been sent out to enforce this rule. He said: “Our men have been warned not to search any phone from any individual. We are there to search the vehicles. We are there to know 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 the destination where they are not supposed to be.” By focusing on public safety, the force hopes to build better trust with the community.
Do you feel more confident interacting with officers knowing that filming is officially permitted?
