Lagos CP Warns Officers Against Phone Searches, extortion, Others

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has warned officers under his command against extortion, hara§§ment, human rights ab¥ses, and the unprofessional practice of searching people’s phones, particularly youths.

The directive was issued during a strategic security meeting with senior officers, in line with the mandate of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

In a statement by Police Public Relations Officer SP Abimbola Adebisi, CP Jimoh stressed that policing must uphold citizens’ rights and dignity, noting that crime prevention “must be done with a human face.” He said stop-and-search of phones is prohibited unless the device is an exhibit in an investigation, and even then, checks must be conducted only at police stations and strictly by law.

The CP also highlighted recent operational breakthroughs, including the arrest of Samsideen Oladiti, alias Shameleon, linked to violent crimes; Jude Onouha, a suspected vehicle vandal who disguised as a security guard to access estates; and John Samuel, an ex-convict and suspected a§§assin arrested for armed r+bbery and attempted m¥rder while trying to steal gold jewellery worth millions of naira.

Commending his men, Jimoh urged Lagos residents to continue providing credible information to aid policing efforts. “These successes reflect the Command’s commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure residents’ safety,” he said.