Chinedu Obieze
A Federal High Court in Warri has reinforced the constitutional rights of Nigerians to record police officers performing public duties, in a landmark judgment that emphasizes accountability and transparency in law enforcement.
Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa delivered the ruling on Tuesday in response to a fundamental rights suit filed by lawyer Maxwell Nosakhare Uwaifo, who challenged the legality of stop-and-search operations conducted by police without proper identification.
The court declared that police officers must wear visible name tags and display force numbers during stop-and-search or public operations. It also stated that citizens cannot be harassed, intimidated, arrested, or have their devices confiscated for recording officers in public spaces.
Uwaifo filed the suit after an encounter with police officers at Sapele Roundabout in May 2025, alleging that he was threatened while trying to record officers who were not properly identifiable. In his petition, he argued that such encounters violated Sections 34, 35, 36, and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which protect human dignity, freedom, and expression.
The defendants in the case included the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission, and the Attorney-General of the Federation. While the police did not appear in court, the AGF was represented by legal counsel.
Justice Nganjiwa ruled that Nigerians have a legal right to document police actions in public, and any officer who violates this principle could face disciplinary action. The court awarded N5 million in damages to Uwaifo and N2 million for litigation costs, reinforcing the seriousness of the matter.
Speaking to journalists, Uwaifo described his encounter with the unmarked police vehicle and unidentified officers, highlighting the risks citizens face when trying to hold security operatives accountable. He emphasized that the judgment represents a victory for transparency, public safety, and constitutional rights in Nigeria.
Civil rights organizations have long campaigned for improved police accountability, noting that unmarked vehicles, lack of identification, and stop-and-search practices often create opportunities for harassment or extortion. This ruling is expected to set a precedent for how citizens engage with law enforcement and document public interactions.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.