The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fayoade Adegoke, has emphasized that no police officer is authorized to conduct phone searches on Nigerian citizens.
He noted the existence of a dedicated cyber section within the Police Force for such purposes.
Adegoke explained that if a police officer harbors suspicions, the proper procedure is to bring the individual to the station for a thorough phone examination.
A statement released on Sunday by Melody FM, 107.7 FM, and signed by Kunle Babarinde conveyed the Commissioner’s message during his visit to the radio station in Iyana-Ipaja on Wednesday.
He commended the radio station for its commitment to disseminating information to the public.
Moreover, he reiterated that bail remains unrestricted and urged the public to report any instances of corruption involving police officers.
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“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,” the statement quoted the CP as saying.
The CP also added, “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.”
“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,” he added.