Rights Group Demands Police Respect Court Verdict on Citizens’ Right to Film Officers

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has called on the Nigeria Police Force to fully comply with a recent court ruling affirming the right of citizens to record officers while performing their duties in public.

In a statement, the group stressed that the judgment represents a significant step toward strengthening accountability within law enforcement. It urged police authorities to immediately align their operations with the decision and educate officers on respecting citizens’ constitutional freedoms.

The ruling, delivered by a Federal High Court in Delta State, established that Nigerians are legally permitted to film police activities in public spaces without interference. The court also made it clear that officers must not intimidate, harass, or seize devices from individuals documenting their actions.

Beyond affirming the right to record, the court directed that police personnel must clearly identify themselves by displaying name tags and service numbers during operations. It also declared that conducting duties without proper identification undermines transparency and violates constitutional provisions.

Reacting to the development, the CDHR described the judgment as a victory for civil liberties and urged strict enforcement to prevent continued abuse. The group warned that failure to implement the ruling could erode public trust and called for disciplinary measures against officers who disregard citizens’ rights.