The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has reiterated that officers are not permitted to conduct phone searches on residents during routine checks.
Epe Insight reports that the Commissioner restated this directive during a recent public engagement, stressing that any officer demanding access to a citizen’s device without a court order is acting outside the law. He emphasised that the Lagos State Police Command remains committed to protecting the digital privacy of Lagosians and maintaining professional conduct across all units.
Despite this renewed clarity, residents continue to share troubling incidents involving officers who allegedly ignore the Lagos State phone search ban. Some commuters recounted cases of intimidation, with a few reporting extortion after refusing to unlock their mobile phones during stops.
Civic groups monitoring police behaviour argue that these recurring complaints highlight the need for firmer enforcement of the Lagos State phone search ban. They insist that without decisive disciplinary measures, public trust in law enforcement will remain strained.
Legal experts also reaffirmed that searching a resident’s phone without a warrant violates constitutional protections on privacy. They maintain that unless a person is arrested for a clearly defined crime, officers have no legal right to demand access to any device.
Observers believe that the Commissioner’s firm stance allows Lagos State to strengthen officer training, improve supervision, and ensure greater accountability. Residents, however, are watching closely to see whether these assurances will translate into practical, lasting reform across the state’s policing system.
