The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated that Nigerians are within their rights to video and photograph police officers on duty, responding to recent claims of extortion during a stop-and-search operation.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that recording law enforcement activities is not an offence.
The statement comes in the wake of an incident shared by an X user, @Boy_Cyril, who alleged that he was forced to pay N10,000 to retrieve his phone after filming police officers during a stop-and-search operation.
In response, Adejobi addressed the issue via his X handle on Thursday, asserting that it is not a crime to document police activities.
The X user’s tweet read, “Sir, is it a crime to video during stop and search because I had to pay N10,000 for those officers to give me back my phone after taking it forcefully from me just now.”
Adejobi assured the public, stating, “You can video or take pictures of policemen on duty. We have said it severally. There is nothing wrong with that.” He further urged individuals who face harassment for recording police actions to report such cases to the appropriate authorities.
Encouraging citizens to assert their rights, Adejobi provided avenues for reporting incidents, saying, “Send an SMS to me or to our email box, Pressforabuja@police.gov.ng. you can as well talk to your PPRO.”
This announcement aims to empower citizens to hold law enforcement accountable and reinforces the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to transparency and responsible policing.
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