The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has reiterated that no security ooerative has the right to search people’s phones on the road.
CP Jimoh said this on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Police–Youth Dialogue Programme organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development at Alausa, Ikeja, where he also told Lagosians that their phones are their personal belongings.
“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 that the Lagos State Police Command is committed to strengthening its relationship with young people through continuous dialogue, community partnerships, and empowerment initiatives.
Speaking further at the event, with the theme, “The Power of Partnership: Cultural Trust and Understanding Between Youth and Law Enforcement Agencies,” which brought together police officers, youth representatives, civil society groups, and government officials, the CP described the youth as the “mirror of the society”.
The police commissioner talked about the critical role of young people 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,” Jimoh said.
“This programme has erased so many longstanding gaps and misunderstandings between the police and young people in the state.”
According to him, there are several initiatives aimed at improving police–youth relations, including the appointment of information officers across all area commands and the expansion of gender units to enhance the protection of women and children.
Jimoh also announced the launch of a new initiative, “Bail is Free,” with the CP making a promise that bail services would now be provided free of charge in all the 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 said.
CP Jimoh also called on the youth to familiarise themselves with the law, noting that knowledge of 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 stated.
Jimoh added that the dialogue programme was a reflection of Lagos State’s vision of proactive community policing and youth empowerment, aimed at fostering trust, accountability, and security in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
