HURPA Urges Delta Police to Obey Court Ruling Affirming Citizens’ Right to Film Officers

HURPA Urges Delta Police to Obey Court Ruling Affirming Citizens’ Right to Film Officers

  • Metro
  • March 19, 2026
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The Human Rights Pathfinders Association (HURPA) has called on the Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force to immediately align with a recent Federal High Court judgement affirming the constitutional right of Nigerians to film police officers while on duty.

The group made the call following a landmark ruling delivered by the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, which upheld citizens’ rights to record police activities in public spaces without harassment or intimidation.

In the judgement delivered by Justice H. A. Nganjiwa in suit number FHC/WR/CS/87/2025, the court declared that Nigerians are legally entitled to document police conduct as part of their fundamental right to freedom of expression. 

The case was instituted by a Warri-based legal practitioner, Maxwell Uwaifo, who challenged the actions of police officers who allegedly attempted to prevent him from recording their activities during a stop-and-search operation.

The court held that no law in Nigeria prohibits citizens from filming public officials performing their duties, stressing that any attempt to stop, harass, arrest, or confiscate devices from citizens engaging in such recording is unconstitutional.

Justice Nganjiwa further ruled that police officers must wear visible name tags and display their force numbers while on duty, describing “anonymous policing” as unlawful and contrary to existing legal provisions.

As part of the judgement, the court awarded the applicant a total of ₦7 million in damages for the violation of his fundamental rights.

Reacting to the development, HURPA described the ruling as a major victory for human rights, transparency, and police accountability in Nigeria. The association urged the Delta State Police Command to respect the judgement and ensure that officers across the state comply fully with its provisions.

HURPA emphasized that the ruling reinforces Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to receive and disseminate information.

The group warned that continued harassment of citizens for recording police activities would amount to contempt of court and a violation of constitutional rights.

“HURPA calls on the police authorities in Delta State to sensitise their officers on this judgement and enforce strict compliance. Citizens should not be intimidated for exercising their lawful rights,” the statement said.

The association also encouraged residents to remain law-abiding while documenting police activities, noting that such recordings can serve as important tools for accountability and evidence in cases of misconduct.

The ruling is widely seen as a significant step toward strengthening civil liberties and promoting responsible policing, especially in the wake of past concerns over abuse of power and lack of accountability within the force.