In a landmark judgment, the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has confirmed that Nigerians have the constitutional right to record police officers performing their duties in public.
Delivering the ruling on Tuesday in suit number FHC/WR/CS/87/2025, Justice H. A.
Nganjiwa emphasized that police officers are required to wear visible name tags, display their force numbers, and are prohibited from harassing, intimidating, arresting, or confiscating devices from citizens documenting their activities.
The court also granted the applicant, Maxwell Uwaifo, N5 million in d@mages for the infringement of his fundamental rights, in addition to N2 million to cover legal expenses.
By awarding all the reliefs sought, the court reinforced the right of Nigerians to document police actions in public without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
Reacting to the ruling, Mr. Uwaifo hailed the judgment as a major advancement for accountability.
“This judgement has significant implications for policing standards, civil liberties, and public accountability across Nigeria,” he stated in a message to newsmen on Tuesday.
“The court made far-reaching pronouncements on police accountability and citizens’ constitutional rights.”
