Why mobile phones are prohibited in police stations

Why mobile phones are prohibited in police stations – Ogun PPRO

The Ogun State Police Command has clarified that the prohibition of mobile phones in police stations is legal and mainly motivated by security concerns, in response to public worries expressed regarding the practice at the Igbeba Police Station in Ijebu Ode.

This clarification followed a query from an X user, Salami Quadri, who questioned the legality of requiring individuals to leave their mobile phones before entering the police station.

In a post on X on Tuesday, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated that Nigerian laws allow such restrictions when necessary to safeguard investigations, suspects, and police operations.

“Indeed, it is lawful to limit phone usage in police stations. This measure ensures the safety of suspects, protects their identities, and prevents the compromise of operational assets,” Babaseyi remarked.

He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to upholding the fundamental rights of citizens, including the presumption of innocence as guaranteed by Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), along with protections for suspects under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

However, Babaseyi pointed out that the Constitution acknowledges that certain rights can be lawfully regulated for the sake of public safety and order.

The Constitution, under Section 45, acknowledges that rights may be lawfully regulated in the interest of public safety, public order, and the protection of others,” he stated.

He further elaborated that the Police Act, 2020, grants the police the authority to manage activities within police facilities to avert security breaches and protect investigations.

According to the spokesperson, the limitations on phone usage in sensitive areas of police stations are precautionary measures rather than an effort to infringe upon citizens’ rights.

The restrictions on phone usage in sensitive areas of police stations are strictly precautionary, aimed at safeguarding investigations, suspects, officers, and the public interest,” Babaseyi explained.

He added that this policy seeks to balance individual rights with the necessity of maintaining safety in a democratic society, asserting that the police are guided by the Constitution, statutory laws, and professional ethics in their operations.