Top political party Rejects IGP’s ‘Unconstitutional’ Directive Barring Nigerians From Recording Police Officers
Top political party Rejects IGP’s ‘Unconstitutional’ Directive Barring Nigerians From Recording Police Officers
The party described the directive as unconstitutional and dangerous, warning that preventing citizens from documenting police activities could further expose Nigerians to extrajudicial killings, extortion, abuse of power and other forms of police misconduct.
The African Action Congress (AAC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has rejected the directive reportedly issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) directing Nigerians to desist from recording police officers while performing their duties.
The party described the directive as unconstitutional and dangerous, warning that preventing citizens from documenting police activities could further expose Nigerians to extrajudicial killings, extortion, abuse of power and other forms of police misconduct.
In a statement signed by the FCT Chapter Chairman, Agena Robert Ande, the AAC said it “totally and unequivocally” rejected the directive.
According to the party, Nigeria is currently battling unprecedented insecurity, making citizens’ ability to document encounters with law enforcement officers crucial for their safety and accountability.
The AAC argued that asking Nigerians to stop recording police officers was effectively asking them to surrender one of their most important means of protection and evidence.
The party cited the recent dismissal of four police officers in Rivers State over the killing of UNIPORT graduate, Anthony Obodo, as an example of how video evidence and public pressure could force authorities to act against alleged police misconduct.
The AAC said the action against the officers was only possible because the incident was captured on video and subsequently generated public pressure.
The statement read, “Without citizens recording, countless cases of police brutality would remain buried.
“The camera has become the court of public record when the system fails.”
The party therefore maintained that video recordings by citizens should be seen as an accountability mechanism rather than a threat to police operations.
The AAC also stated that recording police officers had become increasingly important in an environment where Nigerians face insecurity, illegal checkpoints, robberies and impersonation by criminals wearing police uniforms.
It said citizens need to be able to document who stopped them, where they were stopped and what transpired during such encounters.
“From ‘one-chance’ robberies to illegal checkpoints to impersonators in police uniform, Nigerians need to record who stops them, where, and what happens,” it said.
The party warned that prohibiting such documentation could embolden criminals, including individuals who hide behind police uniforms to perpetrate crimes.
The party described the IGP’s directive as contrary to the Nigerian Constitution, citing Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and the right to receive and impart information.
According to the AAC, police officers carrying out public duties in public spaces cannot invoke privacy to prevent citizens from documenting their activities.
“Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of expression and to receive and impart information,” it said.
“Police officers performing public duties in public spaces cannot claim privacy. This directive is illegal and cannot stand.”
Rather than restricting citizens from recording police officers, the AAC called on the Nigeria Police Force to take steps that would promote transparency and rebuild public confidence.
The party demanded that the IGP immediately rescind the directive and publicly affirm citizens’ right to record public officials while they are performing their duties.
It also called for all police officers to be equipped with body cameras to ensure that there is objective evidence of encounters between officers and members of the public.
The AAC further demanded the swift prosecution of police officers found culpable of misconduct, citing the action taken against the four officers in Rivers State as an example of how accountability could help restore public trust in the police.
“Instead of gagging citizens, the Nigeria Police Force under the IGP should immediately rescind the directive and affirm the right of citizens to record public officials on duty,” the party said.
“Equip all officers with body cameras so that there is objective evidence from both sides.
“Prosecute erring officers swiftly as was done in Rivers State, to rebuild public trust.”
The party insisted that the central issue is not citizens’ use of cameras but the conduct of police officers.
The party vowed to continue documenting alleged police misconduct and demanding accountability despite the IGP’s directive.
“We will not be silenced or be convinced to go with the directives of the IGP,” the statement said.
“We will continue to document, expose, and demand accountability until the Nigeria Police serves the people and not itself.”
