The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated that citizens have the right to video and take photos of police officers while they are on duty.
The statement came in response to a citizen’s complaint on X (formerly Twitter) about being extorted N10,000 by police officers for filming them during a stop-and-search operation.
The X user, @Boy_Cyril wrote on his handle, “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.”
Force spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi emphasized that it is not a crime to record or capture images of police officers during their duties. He encouraged individuals who face harassment for such activities to report the incidents to the police authority.
Adejobi stated, “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 to our email box, Pressforabuja@police.gov.ng. you can as well talk to your PPRO.
“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 anyone 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.”
| Sahara Reporters
