Lagos Police Chief Reaffirms Phone Search Ban As Residents Share Troubling Encounters With Rogue Officers Across State [VIDEO]

 

A renewed conversation around citizens’ digital rights and police conduct is unfolding across Lagos after the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, restated that no officer has the authority to search a resident’s mobile device during routine stops on the road. His comment, delivered at a recent public engagement, has sparked fresh debate on the gap between official directives and realities on the streets.

The Commissioner emphasized that residents should not be compelled to surrender their phones for inspection under any guise, adding that the command stands firmly behind this position. He noted that officers who insist on such searches without a court order or clear legal backing are acting outside the bounds of their mandate, and he reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights of Lagosians.

Residents who have long complained about harassment during traffic stops or checkpoint encounters responded quickly online, praising the declaration yet expressing frustration over persistent incidents that contradict the Commissioner’s stance. Many argued that while public statements are welcome, enforcement remains the true test of leadership and accountability.

A user on X recounted a tense encounter with officers who allegedly demanded access to his phone. He narrated that despite having nothing incriminating on the device, the officers accused him of hiding unspecified illegal applications, eventually forcing him to part with fifty thousand naira before they allowed him to go. Stories like his continue to circulate, fueling concern that certain officers rely on intimidation tactics and arbitrary claims to extort unsuspecting commuters.

Civic groups monitoring police behavior noted that similar complaints have surfaced repeatedly over the years, and they urged the police leadership to match words with decisive corrective action. According to them, citizens cannot fully trust reforms unless those who break protocol face visible and meaningful consequences.

Several Lagosians who heard the Commissioner’s statement welcomed his clarity, saying it provides renewed confidence that the command recognizes the importance of digital privacy. They argued that mobile phones contain sensitive personal information, ranging from financial details to private conversations, and should never be treated as items that officers can access at will.

Legal practitioners also weighed in, explaining that phone searches without a court warrant violate constitutional protections that guard against unlawful intrusion. They stressed that unless a suspect is arrested for a clearly defined criminal offense, an officer cannot legally compel a resident to unlock or surrender a device.

Observers believe the Commissioner’s latest pronouncement offers an opportunity for the police force to reinforce training, improve disciplinary measures, and reorient officers on citizens’ rights. Many hope that better supervision across units and checkpoints will reduce abuse and restore public confidence in law enforcement.

Residents are now watching closely to see whether the directive translates into real change. They continue to call for transparency, accountability, and stronger internal monitoring to ensure that officers respect the limits of their authority.

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