- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Police Command has defended the conduct of a female police officer captured in a viral video searching the body of female suspect in FESTAC area of the state.
As captured in the video shared on X on Sunday, the officer could be seen ransacking the bag of the suspect while also running her hands across the suspect for bodycheck.
The female suspect however accused the officer of indecent touch with the video also sparking mixed reactions from netizens.
While some condemned the officer’s action, few others however saw no wrong in the body search considering that the search was conducted on the lady by a fellow female.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Sunday, the Lagos Police Command held that the officer’s action is within provisions of the Police Act, 2020.
According tot he statement, the act empowers Police officers to stop and search individuals in public places in the course of crime prevention and public safety duties.
“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 established policing procedures provide that a female suspect or individual must be searched by a female officer.” The statement partly read.
The Command cited instances whereby suspects have been caught with illicit substances concealed in bags, wigs, and personal effects.
It urged members of the public to cooperate with the police whenever they find themselves in such situation.
“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.” The statement added.