IGP’s Police Recording Warning Sparks Fresh Debate On Citizens’ Rights

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu has come under criticism from Nigerians and rights advocates following his warning against the indiscriminate recording of police officers while carrying out their duties.

The IGP, who spoke on the controversy surrounding the filming of policemen in public, described the practice as “very, very demoralising” to officers, particularly when such recordings are allegedly made for social media skits or other online content.

The comment has, however, sparked fresh debate over the balance between the operational needs of the Nigeria Police Force and the constitutional rights of citizens to document the conduct of public officials.

One of the most vocal reactions came from comedian and former Big Brother Naija housemate, DeeOne, who criticised the IGP’s position and warned that attempts to discourage Nigerians from recording police officers could have serious consequences.

DeeOne argued that recording police activities serves as an important accountability mechanism, particularly in situations where citizens allege misconduct or abuse of power.

He recalled the role played by videos recorded by members of the public during incidents of police brutality, saying such footage had helped expose alleged abuses and contributed to the nationwide #EndSARS protests.

The comedian also suggested that the police should embrace body-worn cameras for officers as a more reliable means of documenting encounters between policemen and members of the public.

The controversy has also drawn attention to a recent Federal High Court judgment affirming the right of Nigerians to record police officers performing their duties in public.

The judgment, delivered in a case involving the rights of citizens to document police activities, reinforced the principle that members of the public should not be harassed, intimidated or have their devices seized simply because they are recording police operations.

Against this background, critics of the IGP’s remarks argue that while police officers should be protected from interference while performing their duties, such protection should not be interpreted as a blanket restriction on citizens documenting public officials.

They contend that filming an officer from a safe distance, without obstructing an operation, can promote transparency and provide independent evidence where disputes arise between the police and members of the public.

NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has taken a different but important position, stressing the need to balance citizens’ rights with police operational concerns.