Ogun Police Clarify Lawful Mobile Phone Restrictions in Stations, Emphasizing Security and Rights Balance
Ogun Police Clarify Lawful Mobile Phone Restrictions in Stations, Emphasizing Security and Rights Balance
The Ogun State Police Command has clarified that restricting mobile phones within police stations is lawful and primarily aimed at ensuring security. This explanation follows public concerns raised over the practice at Igbeba Police Station in Ijebu Ode.
The clarification was issued after an X user, Salami Quadri, questioned the legality of requiring visitors to leave their phones before entering the station.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer Oluseyi Babaseyi stated that Nigerian laws permit such restrictions when necessary to safeguard investigations, suspects, and police operations.
“Yes, it’s legal to restrict phones in police stations. This helps ensure the safety of suspects, protect their identities, and prevent operational assets from being compromised,” Babaseyi explained.
He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to respecting citizens’ fundamental rights, including the presumption of innocence as guaranteed by Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as protections for suspects under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
However, Babaseyi pointed out that the Constitution itself acknowledges that certain rights may be lawfully regulated in the interest of public safety and order.
“Section 45 of the Constitution recognises that rights can be lawfully regulated for the purpose of maintaining public safety and order,” he noted.
He also highlighted that the Police Act, 2020, grants the police authority to regulate activities within police facilities to prevent security breaches and safeguard ongoing investigations.
According to him, restrictions on phone use in sensitive areas of police stations are precautionary measures, not an attempt to infringe on citizens’ rights.
“These restrictions are security-driven, designed to protect investigations, suspects, officers, and the public interest,” Babaseyi stated.
He concluded that the policy aims to balance individual rights with the need for safety in a democratic society, affirming that the police operate in accordance with the Constitution, laws, and professional ethics.
