You Can Now Film Police in Public Court Rules, Awards ₦7m Compensation
In a powerful decision that speaks directly to everyday Nigerians, the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has made it clear: you have the right to record police officers while they are carrying out their duties in public.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday by Justice H. A. Nganjiwa, emphasized that officers are expected to operate transparently. This means they must wear visible name tags, display their force numbers, and cannot harass, intimidate, arrest, or seize phones from citizens who are simply documenting what’s happening.
The case was brought by Maxwell Uwaifo, who challenged the violation of his rights and the court didn’t just agree with him, it backed it up with compensation. He was awarded ₦5 million in damages, along with an additional ₦2 million to cover legal costs.
By granting all his requests, the court has reinforced a key message: Nigerians should not be afraid to hold law enforcement accountable, especially in public spaces.
Reacting to the judgment, Uwaifo described it as a major win, not just for him, but for civil liberties across the country. According to him, the ruling sends a strong signal about the importance of accountability, proper policing standards, and respect for citizens’ rights.
This decision could mark a turning point in how police interactions are handled in Nigeria putting more power back in the hands of the people.
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