FILMING POLICEMEN ON DUTY IS NOT A CRIME - FPRO

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The Nigeria Police Force has affirmed that citizens have the right to record videos of police officers while they are on duty.

In response to an X user, #Boy_Cyril, who claimed that police had extorted him for recording them during a stop-and-search operation, the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this statement.

#Boy_Cyril wrote, “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.”

Responding to the issue, Adejobi emphasized that it is not illegal to record or take pictures of police officers while they are performing their official duties.

In his response, Adejobi said, “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 our email box, Pressforabuja@police.gov.ng. You can also 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 any 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.”