The restriction placed on entering police workplace with mobile devices has been rationalised by the Ogun State Police Command.
The practice came under public scrutiny when an X user, Salami Quadri shared his experience at Igbeba Police Station in Ijebu Ode.
The netizen questioned the legality of asking members of the public to drop their mobile phones before gaining access to the police station.
It drew reaction from Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, who in a post on the same X said the custom was in accordance with the constitution, put in place 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 declared 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 added.
