The Lagos State Police Command has cleared a female officer of any wrongdoing following a viral video on X showing a woman accusing the officer of inappropriate touching during a stop-and-search operation.
The video, shared on Sunday by a user identified as dammiedammie35, shows a visibly upset lady questioning the officer’s methods as her bags, pockets, and body were searched at the Festac area of the state.
“What’s the meaning of all these?” the lady asked, while also refusing the officer’s request to remove her wig.
In the footage, the policewoman is also seen instructing the lady to stop filming and delete the recording.
Responding via X on Sunday, the Command stated that the officer’s actions fell within the provisions of the Police Act 2020, which empowers officers to conduct searches in public for crime prevention.
“The Lagos State Police Command has taken cognisance of this viral video circulating. It is important to state that the action of the officer, as seen in the video, falls within the provisions of the Police Act, 2020, which empowers Police officers to stop and search individuals in public places in the course of crime prevention and public safety duties,” the statement read.
The Command emphasised that the established procedure requires a female suspect or individual to be searched by a female officer.
The police further defended the thoroughness of the search, noting that individuals frequently use “unconventional places” to hide illegal items, and urged citizens to remain cooperative during such encounters to aid effective policing.
The statement read, “Indeed, there have been several instances where individuals conceal illicit substances, weapons, or other incriminating items in unconventional places such as wigs, caps, clothing, and personal effects, necessitating thorough but lawful searches.
“The Command therefore urges members of the public to cooperate with the Police whenever they find themselves in such situations, as such cooperation greatly enhances effective policing and crime prevention.”
This incident follows a similar 2025 defence by Delta State Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, who maintained that officers have the right to search passengers’ belongings at checkpoints to ensure public safety.
While the officer in this video ordered the lady to stop filming, recent legal precedents suggest otherwise.
Earlier in March, GISTSMATE MEDIA reported that a Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, affirmed the constitutional right of Nigerians to record police officers during stop-and-search operations.
Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa ruled that officers must refrain from “harassing, intimidating, arresting, or confiscating devices from citizens who record their actions,” provided the officers are in a public space.
This also follows a 2024 directive from the Nigeria Police Force mandating that all officers on such duties must be in uniform with visible name tags.
See the video here
WARNING: If You Are Not 18+, Don’t Click The Link Below 👇🫣
https://emitprocured.com/u36k6hvh?key=9d5a995551042f49ca200d04746b52ad
Did you want to monetize your website, join MONETAG or ADSKEEPER and start earning
Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it.
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.
Never Miss A Single News Or Gist, Kindly Join Us On WhatsApp Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vad8g81Eawdsio6INn3B
Telegram Channel:
https://t.me/gistsmateNG
