Nigerians have right to film police on duty, lawyer counters IG warning

Inibehe Effiong, a legal practitioner, has contested the Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu's warning against Nigerians recording police officers for social media content. Effiong argued that the Nigeria Police Force itself was a content creation entity, citing the various platforms it uses to disseminate information. During an interview on Channels Television, Effiong questioned the definition of content creation, asking whether it should be based on financial gain or public enlightenment.

He emphasized that the police, through its social media handles, website, and radio station, exemplifies content creation. Effiong also highlighted that clarifying Disu's warning about using policemen for content creation is crucial, especially concerning skit makers, entertainers, and pranksters who make a living from online humorous content.

He questioned the police's concern about citizens recording officers while performing their duties, especially when instances of such filming are not widespread. Effiong maintained that Nigerians have a constitutional right under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution to record law enforcement officers while they are carrying out their duties in public places.