The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State Tijani Fatai, has warned officers against checking civilians’ cell phones, stating that such acts are not permissible under existing policing rules.
Fatai issued the command in a video posted by News Central TV on Tuesday, emphasizing professionalism and respect for residents’ rights during police operations.
He stated that officers have nothing to fear from being recorded provided they follow the rules and that accountability applies to 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 stressed that officers have been expressly advised not to check phones and instead focus on their primary jobs.
He said, “Our men have been warned not to search any phone from any individual.” We are there to search the vehicles.”
Fatai added that police checks are primarily designed to verify passengers and ensure they are not entering vehicles run by criminals.
“We are there to know who and 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 destinations where they are not supposed to be,” he also said.
