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 clarified that the Police Force has a dedicated cyber section responsible for such activities, and if a police officer has suspicions, the proper procedure involves taking the individual to the police station for a formal phone search.
This statement was made during the Commissioner’s visit to Melody FM, 107.7FM, at Iyana-Ipaja on Wednesday, as reported in a Sunday statement by the radio station’s management, signed by Kunle Babarinde. The Commissioner commended the radio station for its efforts in disseminating information to the public.
Adegoke reiterated that bail should not be restricted and encouraged the public to report any corrupt police officers. He emphasized that individuals who feel they have been mistreated by a police officer or have encountered corruption should report the incident to the officer’s Divisional Police Officer (DPO). If no resolution is reached, the report should be escalated to the Area Commander. The Commissioner also assured that his phone number is accessible to all Lagos residents for direct reporting.
Furthermore, Adegoke stressed that no police officer has the right to physically assault citizens. He reminded the public that they are the employers of the government, and their taxes support the police force. As such, citizens should be treated with the appropriate respect and decency. Regarding phone searches, he clarified that any suspicions about a person’s phone would be addressed through the cyber department, following proper protocols at the police station.
