A Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has delivered a landmark judgment affirming that Nigerians have the constitutional right to record police officers performing their duties in public spaces.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa, declared that citizens are legally allowed to film, photograph, and document law enforcement activities without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The court further held that any attempt by police officers to harass, arrest, or seize devices from individuals recording them is unlawful and unconstitutional, reinforcing protections under the right to freedom of expression.
In addition, the court ruled that officers must wear visible name tags and display their force numbers while on duty, declaring anonymous policing a violation of constitutional standards.
The judgment followed a suit filed by lawyer Maxwell Uwaifo, who challenged the legality of police conduct during stop-and-search operations after he was allegedly threatened for attempting to record officers.
As part of the ruling, the court awarded the applicant ₦5 million in damages for violation of his fundamental rights, along with additional compensation for legal costs.
Legal experts say the decision is a major step toward improving police accountability and transparency in Nigeria, especially in light of long-standing complaints about harassment and misconduct during public interactions with law enforcement.
The ruling also places a clear obligation on the Nigeria Police Force to ensure its officers comply with constitutional standards, particularly in respecting citizens’ rights and maintaining professionalism during operations.
With this judgment, Nigerians now have stronger legal backing to document police activities, a move widely seen as a boost for civil liberties, public oversight, and justice system accountability.
Post a Comment