The Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has delivered a landmark ruling affirming that Nigerians have the constitutional right to record police officers while they carry out their duties in public.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday in suit number FHC/WR/CS/87/2025, Justice H. A. Nganjiwa held that 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 applicant, Maxwell Uwaifo, N5 million in d@mages for the violation of his fundamental rights, alongside N2 million to cover litigation costs.
By granting all the reliefs sought, the court reinforced the right of Nigerians to freely document police actions in public spaces without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
Reacting to the ruling, Mr Uwaifo described the judgment as a major step forward for accountability.
“This judgement has significant implications for policing standards, civil liberties, and public accountability across Nigeria,” he said in a statement shared with newsmen on Tuesday.
“The court made far-reaching pronouncements on police accountability and citizens’ constitutional rights.”
