Dare Babalola
The Ogun State Police Command has stated that restricting mobile phones in police stations is lawful and driven by security needs, following concerns over the practice at Igbeba Police Station in Ijebu Ode.
The clarification followed an X post by Salami Quadri, who questioned if it was legal to ask people to drop their phones before entering the police station.
Reacting in a post on X on Tuesday, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said Nigerian laws permit such restrictions where they are necessary to protect investigations, suspects, and police operations.
“Yes, it’s legal to restrict phones in police stations. This ensures the safety of suspects, protects their identities, and prevents operational assets from being compromised,” Babaseyi stated.
He emphasised that the police are committed to respecting citizens’ rights, including the presumption of innocence and protections under the Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Babaseyi noted, however, that the Constitution itself recognises that certain rights may be lawfully regulated in the interest of public safety and order.
“However, the Constitution itself, under Section 45, recognises that rights may be lawfully regulated in the interest of public safety, public order, and the protection of others,” he said.
He further explained that the Police Act, 2020, empowers the police to regulate activities within police facilities to prevent security breaches and the compromise of investigations.
According to the spokesman, restrictions on phone use in sensitive areas of police stations are precautionary measures and not an attempt to suppress citizens’ rights.
“Restrictions on phone use in sensitive areas of police stations are purely security-driven, precautionary measures designed to protect investigations, suspects, officers, and the public interest,” Babaseyi said.
He added that the policy is aimed at balancing individual rights with the need to maintain safety in a democratic society, insisting that the police remain guided by the Constitution, statutory laws, and professional ethics in their operations.
