The Lagos State Police Command has prohibited the searching of phones by police officers in the state, while also warning against extortion, harassment, violation of human rights and dignity by serving police officers in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, gave the admonition on Thursday during a meeting with Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical Commanders in the state

According to the Lagos CP, policemen are only allowed to search suspects ‘ phones, and only such phones are exhibits

The image maker in charge of the state police command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement on Friday, said ” During the meeting, CP Jimoh issued a stern warning’against all forms of extortion, harassment, violation of human rights and dignity; the unprofessional practice of name-calling, particularly targeting the youths.

“He reminded all officers and men of the Command of their obligations to uphold the rights and dignity of every citizen.

“He stated that crime prevention must be carried out with a human face, and police officers and men must not subject Nigerians to unnecessary hardship.”

The Lagos State Police spokesperson also stressed that “He particularly cautioned police officers against inflicting unnecessary hardship on the youths through the practice of stopping them on the road to check and search their phones, a procedure which is now prohibited except when such phones are exhibits in an established case under investigation.

“CP Jimoh emphasised that only in the course of a legitimate investigation, within the police station, not on the road, except in a case already Incidented and under investigation, can such actions be taken, and even then, in accordance with the law.”

Highlighting the Command’s achievements for the month under review, the Lagos CP announced major significant successes such as the arrest of Samsideen Oladiti a.k.a. Shameleon, arrested in connection with two violent crimes; Jude Onouha, a leader of a notorious vehicle vandal who disguised as security personnel to gain access into estates; John Samuel, an ex-convict, armed robber, and hired assassin, arrested in connection with armed robbery and attempted murder of a victim while dispossessing him of gold jewelry worth millions of naira.

These successes ,according to the Lagos CP, reflect the ongoing commitment of the Lagos State Police Command to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.

He then called on residents to continue to assist and cooperate with the police in making the state safe by providing credible information to the Police In their localities at all times . (Nigerian Tribune)