The Ogun State Police Command has clarified that restricting mobile phones within police stations is lawful and driven by security concerns.

The explanation followed public debate after an X user, Salami Quadri, questioned the legality of requiring visitors to drop their phones before entering the Igbeba Police Station in Ijebu Ode.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Police Public Relations Officer Oluseyi Babaseyi said Nigerian laws permit such restrictions where 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 fundamental rights, including the presumption of innocence guaranteed under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and safeguards for suspects under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Constitutional Provisions

Babaseyi noted 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 explained.

He added that the Police Act, 2020, empowers the police to regulate activities within police facilities to prevent security breaches and compromise of investigations.

According to the spokesman, restrictions on phone use in sensitive areas of police stations are precautionary measures, not attempts 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 emphasized that the policy is aimed at balancing individual rights with the need to maintain safety in a democratic society.

The police, he added, remain guided by the Constitution, statutory laws, and professional ethics in their operations.