Policemen Prohibited from Searching Citizens’ Phones, Asserts Lagos CP
15th January 2024
In a recent statement, Fayoade Adegoke, the Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, emphatically declared that no police officer is authorized to search the phones of Nigerian citizens. Adegoke highlighted the existence of a dedicated cyber section within the Police Force responsible for such investigations, underscoring that any suspicions should prompt the officer to bring the individual to the police station for proper phone examination.
The Commissioner made these remarks during a visit to Melody FM, 107.7FM, at Iyana-Ipaja on Wednesday, as outlined in a statement released by the radio station’s management and signed by Kunle Babarinde on Sunday.
Adegoke commended the radio station for its commitment to disseminating information to the public and took the opportunity to address concerns related to police conduct. He encouraged the public to report any instances of corruption or misconduct by police officers through the established channels.
“If you feel you have been cheated by a policeman or a policeman engaged in corruption, kindly report the policeman to his DPO. If the DPO is not forthcoming, report to the Area Commander. I believe your case will be solved, but if you still feel cheated, please report to me directly. My phone number is open to all Lagosians,” stated Adegoke.
Emphasizing the principles of justice and accountability, the Commissioner asserted, “No policeman has the right to beat citizens. You, the people, are the government’s employers; your taxes support us. Thus, we have to treat you with the appropriate decency.”
Adegoke reiterated the stance on phone searches, stating, “On the issue of searching phones, no policeman has the right to search your phone. If a policeman suspects anything on your phone, he will take you to the station to search the phone. We have a cyber department that deals with all that.” The Commissioner’s words echo a commitment to upholding citizens’ rights while ensuring proper law enforcement practices within the state.
Credit: Punch News