The Ogun State Police Command has explained that the restriction of mobile phones within police stations is lawful and primarily driven by security considerations, following public concerns raised over the practice at the Igbeba Police Station in Ijebu Ode.
The clarification came after an X user, Salami Quadri, questioned the legality of asking members of the public to drop their mobile phones before gaining access to 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 stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to respecting the fundamental rights of citizens, including the presumption of innocence guaranteed under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as safeguards for suspects under 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.
Punch
