Nigeria’s Police Force clarifies that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has not banned citizens from recording police officers. A police media officer says Disu’s position focuses on the misuse of such recordings, particularly when footage is used for ridicule or entertainment skits rather than documentation.
The clarification comes after public criticism of Disu’s earlier comments that described filming officers for skits as “very demoralising,” sparking debate about whether citizens’ rights to record are being limited. Police spokesperson Aliyu Giwa explains that legitimate recording can support accountability, provide evidence of misconduct, and protect officers against false allegations, while officers still have a right to dignity and privacy.
Across reporting, outlets present the same core message: the police argue for balance, calling for responsible recording in circumstances where encounters are not exploited, officers are not provoked, and recording does not become intrusive or demeaning. The issue is also linked to broader legal and rights discussions, including court rulings affirming citizens’ right to document police activity, and ongoing considerations around reforms such as body cameras.
