In a recent judgment, the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, affirmed the constitutional right of Nigerians to record police officers performing their duties in public. The court ruled that citizens should not be harassed, intimidated, arrested, or have their devices seized for making such recordings. This decision was made on March 17, 2026, by Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa. The judgment also emphasized the requirement for police officers to display identification while carrying out public duties.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, had expressed concern about Nigerians recording police officers, describing it as "very, very demoralising." He made this statement during a meeting with the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, and members of the NBA executive committee in Abuja. However, the NBA President argued that there is a distinction between officers performing their duties in public and those engaged in private activities.
Badejo-Okusanya pointed out that body-worn cameras are an example of how recording can promote transparency in policing. She emphasized that the issue is not about the right to record, but about the context and purpose of the recording. The NBA President's stance was in response to the IGP's concerns about harassment and misuse of videos.
The right to record police officers in public is essential for promoting transparency and accountability. Citizens have a legitimate interest in documenting police activities, especially in situations where there may be concerns about police conduct. Recording police interactions can also protect both citizens and officers by providing evidence of what transpired.
In the United States, the use of body-worn cameras has become increasingly widespread, and US Justice Department policies have incorporated body-camera requirements for certain federal law-enforcement activities. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Adegoke Fayoade has also called for the deployment of body-worn cameras for Nigerian police officers, citing their potential to strengthen accountability and transparency.
The police leadership should focus on improving police recording, rather than trying to stop citizens from recording police activities. Instead of discouraging citizens from recording, the police could establish a system for receiving and reviewing footage, allowing them to use recordings as evidence in internal investigations.
Ultimately, public authority comes with public scrutiny, and police officers exercising state power over citizens cannot reasonably expect encounters to be invisible. Trust between the police and the public grows when institutions are transparent and accountable. The court's ruling and the NBA President's stance emphasize the importance of balancing police duties with citizens' rights.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has affirmed Nigerians' right to record police officers performing their duties in public.
- The Inspector-General of Police has expressed concerns about citizens recording police officers, citing potential harassment and misuse of videos.
- The use of body-worn cameras is being considered as a means of promoting transparency and accountability in policing.
