Court Affirms Nigerians’ Right to Record Police on Duty

Court Affirms Nigerians’ Right to Record Police on Duty

The Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has ruled that Nigerians are legally permitted to record police officers while they are performing their duties in public.

The decision, delivered on Tuesday by Justice H. A. Nganjiwa, is being widely viewed as a major boost for accountability and the protection of civil liberties.

In the judgment on suit No. FHC/WR/CS/87/2025, the court held that officers of the Nigeria Police Force must display visible name tags and force numbers while on duty.

The court further ruled that police personnel have no right to harass, intimidate, arrest or seize devices from citizens who record their activities in public spaces.

The case was filed by Maxwell Uwaifo as a public interest litigation, challenging the legality of police stop-and-search operations carried out without proper identification.

In addition to granting all the reliefs sought, the court awarded N5 million in damages to the applicant for the violation of his fundamental rights, as well as N2 million to cover the cost of litigation.

Reacting to the ruling, Maxwell Uwaifo described the judgment as far-reaching and significant.

“This judgment has significant implications for policing standards, civil liberties and public accountability across Nigeria,” he said.

He added, “The court made far-reaching pronouncements on police accountability and citizens’ constitutional rights.”

The respondents in the case included the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The suit, filed under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, relied on several provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including those guaranteeing personal liberty, freedom of expression, and protection from unlawful treatment.

Legal observers say the ruling strengthens citizens’ rights to document law enforcement activities, especially in public places, without fear of intimidation or reprisal.