The Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has once again firmly stated that police officers in the state do not have the legal right to search the mobile phones of any resident.
A Clear and Reiterated Directive
Speaking at a recent public function, Commissioner Jimoh left no room for ambiguity. He directly addressed the issue, declaring, "No Policeman should search your phone on the road… I stand by that order." This public reaffirmation serves to remind both the police force and the public of his official stance on the matter of digital privacy during routine stops.
The Gap Between Order and Reality
Despite the Commissioner's clear directive, some Lagos residents have expressed skepticism about its implementation on the ground. They point out that there is often a significant difference between an order being issued from the top and it being respected by officers on the streets. In a troubling account shared by a user on the social media platform X, it was alleged that he was forced to pay N50,000 to a group of officers. The report states that the officers demanded access to his phone and, after finding nothing incriminating, accused him of hiding other applications.
Public Trust and Police Accountability
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in building public trust and ensuring police accountability. While the leadership of the Lagos police force is making efforts to curb intrusive practices, the experiences of citizens suggest that more work may be needed to ensure these policies are uniformly enforced. The continued discussion around this issue puts a spotlight on the delicate balance between security operations and the protection of individual rights in Nigeria's most populous city.
