In a massive blow to impunity, a Federal High Court rules that citizens can legally film police operations, ordering a total of N7 million in damages after a rights violation.

In a resounding victory for civil liberties, the Federal High Court in Warri has firmly established that Nigerians possess the constitutional right to film police officers during public operations—and that officers who attempt to stop them will pay dearly.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday in suit number FHC/WR/CS/87/2025, Justice H. A. Nganjiwa issued a clear directive to law enforcement: officers must wear visible name tags, display their force numbers clearly, and are strictly forbidden from harassing, intimidating, or arresting citizens who are simply documenting their conduct. The court also barred the seizure of devices used for such recordings.

In a sharp rebuke to police overreach, the court awarded the applicant, Maxwell Uwaifo, a total of N7 million—comprising N5 million in damages for the violation of his fundamental rights and an additional N2 million to cover the cost of litigation.

By granting all the reliefs sought, the court has effectively dismantled any pretense of immunity for officers operating in the shadows, reinforcing the public’s role as watchdogs in a democracy.

Reacting to the ruling, an elated Uwaifo hailed the decision as a pivotal moment for transparency in Nigeria.

"This judgement has significant implications for policing standards, civil liberties, and public accountability across Nigeria," he said. “The court made far-reaching pronouncements on police accountability and citizens’ constitutional rights.”