Kwara CP bans phone searches, profiling of youths as ‘Yahoo Boys’

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, has issued a firm directive to officers under his command, warning that extortion, harassment, unlawful phone searches, and the indiscriminate profiling of young people as internet fraudsters (popularly known as “Yahoo boys”) will no longer be tolerated.

Speaking in Ilorin on Friday during a briefing with Deputy Commissioners, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Unit Heads, CP Ojo said the directive follows clear orders from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

He strongly warned that any officer found engaging in misconduct or violating citizens’ rights will face severe disciplinary measures.

“Officers who interfere in civil matters without criminal elements, search citizens’ phones without a court order, or unjustly tag young Nigerians as internet fraudsters are committing serious offenses,” he said.

The Commissioner emphasized that routine and indiscriminate phone checks on the streets are strictly prohibited, unless the device is confirmed as an exhibit in an ongoing investigation.

He reassured the public—especially students and youth—that the police are committed to upholding their dignity and fundamental rights. “The era of intimidation and wrongful profiling is over in Kwara State,” he declared, while calling on young people to remain law-abiding.

In a related development, the command announced it will commence strict enforcement of tinted glass permit regulations beginning October 2, 2025. Drivers without valid, original, and up-to-date permits will be prosecuted within 24 hours.

Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi advised motorists to carry their original tinted glass permits at all times and encouraged the public to report any form of extortion or misconduct by officers through designated complaint platforms.

This move echoes similar actions taken earlier in the year by the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen-Otimeyin, who also warned officers against illegal phone searches and extortion, citing directives from the Inspector-General.