- Phone Searches on the Road Are Illegal – Lagos CP
- Encouraged young people to familiarise themselves with the law
- Listed several initiatives aimed at enhancing police–youth relations
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has restated that no security operative has the legal authority to search citizens’ mobile phones on the road.
Eko Hot Blog reports that he made the declaration on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Police Youth Dialogue Programme organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development in Alausa, Ikeja.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Lagos Begins 8-Month Road Repair on Lekki–Ajah Corridor
- Reps Probe ₦12tn Disbursed to Development Finance Institutions
- NYCN Epe Set to Host 2025 Youth Congress to Drive Employment and Innovation
Addressing participants, the CP emphasised that mobile phones are personal property and should not be subjected to indiscriminate searches.
“Some people put me on TikTok where I said that no policeman should search your phone on the road. I still stand by that order,” CP Jimoh reaffirmed.
He noted that the Lagos State Police Command remains committed to strengthening ties with young people through continuous engagement, community partnerships, and empowerment initiatives.
Speaking on the event’s theme, “The Power of Partnership: Cultural Trust and Understanding Between Youth and Law Enforcement Agencies,” which brought together police officers, youth groups, civil society organisations, and government officials, CP Jimoh described young people as the “mirror of the society”.
He highlighted the importance of youth participation in shaping public policies and holding institutions accountable.
“The youth population is vibrant, innovative, and forward-thinking; they represent the energy that drives our economy and defines our culture,” he said.
According to him, the dialogue programme has bridged longstanding gaps and misunderstandings between the police and young people.
He listed several initiatives aimed at enhancing police–youth relations, including the appointment of information officers across all area commands and the expansion of gender units to better protect women and children.
CP Jimoh also announced the introduction of a new initiative, “Bail is Free,” assuring that bail would now be provided free of charge in all police divisions across Lagos State.
“As part of the initiative, I have distributed complimentary cards bearing my signature, which guarantee free bail services across all police divisions in the state,” he explained.
He encouraged young people to familiarise themselves with the law, stating that understanding their rights and responsibilities would help reduce friction with law enforcement.
“Partnership is not just a slogan; it is an active process of dialogue, respect, and adaptability. We listen more, judge less, and work together for a common goal,” he said.
The commissioner added that the ongoing dialogue represents Lagos State’s commitment to proactive community policing and youth empowerment, aimed at fostering trust, accountability, and a safer environment for all residents.
