Citizens can now document and film police on duty after court rules

The Federal High Court, sitting in Warri, Delta State, Wednesdayk issued a landmark ruling stating that Nigerians have the constitutional right to record police officers while carrying out their duties in public.

Delivering the ruling in case number FHC/WR/CS/87/2025 on Tuesday, Justice HA Nganjiwa said police officers must wear visible name tags, display their force numbers and must not harass, intimidate, arrest or seize devices from citizens documenting their activities.

The court also awarded the appellant, Maxwell Uwaifo, $5 million in damages for the violation of his fundamental rights, as well as $2 million to cover litigation costs.

By granting all requested relief, the court strengthened the right of Nigerians to freely document police actions in public spaces without fear of intimidation or retaliation.

Reacting after the ruling, Uwaifo described the sentence as a major step towards accountability.

“This ruling has significant implications for policing standards, civil liberties and public accountability across Nigeria,” he said in a statement shared with journalists on Tuesday.

“The Court has made far-reaching statements on police accountability and the constitutional rights of citizens.”