OGUN POLICE CITE SECURITY LAWS IN DEFENSE OF MOBILE PHONE RESTRICTIONS AT STATIONS

The Ogun State Police Command has moved to allay public concerns surrounding the restriction of mobile phone use within police stations, describing the policy as a lawful and necessary security measure designed to protect investigations, suspects and operational integrity.

In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, the Command explained that the enforcement of the policy at the Nigeria Police Station under the Ijebu Area Command in Ijebu Ode aligns with existing legal provisions and standard security protocols within law enforcement facilities.
According to the Command, Nigerian law permits controlled limitations within security environments in the interest of public safety and effective policing. The restriction is aimed at preventing unauthorized recording, safeguarding sensitive information and protecting the identities of suspects and officers involved in ongoing investigations.

The police emphasized their continued commitment to constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence as guaranteed under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution and protections outlined in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. However, they noted that Section 45 of the Constitution provides room for lawful regulation of certain rights when required to maintain public order, security and national interest.
Further backing the policy is the Police Act of 2020, which grants the Force authority to regulate conduct within police premises to forestall security breaches and ensure smooth operations.
The Command maintained that the phone restriction is not intended to suppress citizens’ freedoms but rather serves as a precautionary measure to preserve the integrity of law enforcement processes. By limiting potential disruptions and information leaks, the policy seeks to balance individual liberties with the broader responsibility of maintaining safety in a democratic society.
Officials reiterated that the approach aligns with constitutional provisions, existing laws and professional standards governing modern policing in Nigeria.