The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has reiterated that no police officer or security operative has the right to search citizens’ mobile phones on the road.
Gatekeepers News reports that Jimoh restated this position 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. He emphasized that mobile phones remain private property.
“Some people put me on TikTok where I said it that no policeman should search your phone on the road; I still stand by that order,” he said.
Jimoh said the Lagos State Police Command is committed to strengthening its relationship with young people through regular dialogue, community partnerships, and empowerment initiatives.
Speaking at the event themed “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, Jimoh described the youth as the “mirror of the society”.
He highlighted their significant role in shaping 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.
“This programme has erased so many longstanding gaps and misunderstandings between the police and young people in the state.”
The commissioner outlined several initiatives to improve police–youth relations, including deploying information officers across all area commands and expanding gender units to better protect women and children.
Jimoh also announced the launch of a new initiative, “Bail is Free,” assuring Lagosians that bail services would now be provided at no cost in all police divisions.
“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 said.
He urged young people to become more familiar with the law and understand their rights and responsibilities to reduce avoidable tensions 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 stated.
Jimoh added that the dialogue programme reflects the state’s broader vision for proactive community policing and youth empowerment aimed at fostering trust, accountability, and security in Lagos.
