Right to record police Nigeria affirmed as court orders officers to display ID, bans harassment and awards damages to lawyer

A Federal High Court sitting in Warri has affirmed the constitutional right to record police Nigeria, ruling that citizens can lawfully film police officers performing their duties in public.

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Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa delivered the landmark judgment on Tuesday in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by lawyer Maxwell Nosakhare Uwaifo.

Court Declares Recording Police Lawful

In his ruling, Justice Nganjiwa held that Nigerians are entitled under the Constitution to record law enforcement officers during stop-and-search operations and other public engagements.

The court further ruled that police officers must display proper identification, including visible name tags and force numbers, while carrying out their duties.

“It is unlawful for police to harass, intimidate, arrest, or seize devices from citizens recording them,” the judge stated.

Case Against Police Authorities

The suit, marked FHC/WR/CS/87/2025, was filed against the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Uwaifo approached the court after an encounter with police officers at Sapele Roundabout in May 2025, where he alleged intimidation and threats after attempting to record their actions.

He argued that the conduct of the officers violated his fundamental rights, including freedom of expression guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution.

Court Orders Reforms, Awards Damages

In addition to affirming citizens’ rights, the court directed authorities to ensure better compliance and accountability within the police force.

The judgment mandates:

Police officers must wear uniforms with visible identification during public operations

Authorities must issue clear directives affirming citizens’ right to record police activities

Officers who violate these rights should face disciplinary action

The court also awarded ₦5 million in damages for violation of fundamental rights and ₦2 million as litigation costs in favour of the plaintiff.

Plaintiff Recounts Ordeal

Speaking after the judgment, Uwaifo described how he was stopped by officers who allegedly acted aggressively and failed to identify themselves.

“When I brought out my phone to record, one of them threatened to arrest me and demanded I stop,” he said.

He added that the officers operated in an unmarked vehicle without name tags or clear identification, creating a hostile and intimidating environment.

Broader Implications

The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for police accountability in Nigeria, where stop-and-search operations have long been criticised over allegations of harassment, extortion and abuse.

Civil rights advocates have repeatedly called for reforms, including mandatory identification for officers and protection for citizens documenting police conduct.