The Nigerian Police Force has reaffirmed that individuals are permitted to photograph and film police officers while they are on duty. This information was provided by the Force’s spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in response to a social media question.
The clarification comes in the wake of an incident where a citizen claimed to have been forced to pay N10,000 to retrieve his phone, allegedly seized by unidentified police operatives for recording a video during a stop-and-search operation in Benin, Edo State.
“There is nothing wrong with taking pictures or videos of policemen on duty,” stated Adejobi in his response to the inquiry. He further encouraged the victim to pursue the case against the officers, providing a police complaint email for reporting incidents.
Acknowledging concerns raised by another social media user about officers who may still resist being recorded, Adejobi assured that all officers are aware that Nigerians have the right to document their activities. He characterized those who harass or attack individuals for recording as “deviants and unprofessional.”
In his response to a suggestion for further awareness campaigns directed at officers, Adejobi reiterated that the knowledge is widespread among police personnel. However, he acknowledged that some deviant officers may continue to resist until they face consequences for their actions.
