The Nigeria Police Force have reiterated that citizens have the right to record videos or take photographs of police officers while they are on duty.
This statement comes in response to an incident reported by an X user, #Boy_Cyril, who claimed he was extorted by police officers for recording them during a stop-and-search operation.
#Boy_Cyril posted on social media, “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.”
Addressing the issue, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force spokesperson, stated that filming or photographing police officers in the course of their duty is not considered an offense.
“You can video or take pictures of policemen on duty. We have said it severally.
“There is nothing wrong with that. You can take up the case. Send an SMS to me or our email box, [email protected]. You can also talk to your PPRO,” Adejobi stated.
He added, “Every policeman knows that videoing and taking pictures of them on duty is allowed and permitted.
“Those who attack or harass people for such are just deviants and recalcitrant and unprofessional. Or have you seen any of them telling you he’s not aware?
“They all know. It’s like a case of a criminal who knows committing crimes is criminal and punishable, yet he does it until he’s caught.”
