IG didn’t ban recording police, only opposes misuse for skits — Media officer

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that Inspector-General Olatunji Disu does not oppose citizens recording police officers, but rather he is concerned about the misuse of such recordings, particularly when officers are ridiculed or filmed for entertainment. The New Media Officer, Aliyu Giwa, clarified this stance on X after controversy arose over the IG’s recent comments.

Giwa emphasized that the issue is not about shielding officers from accountability or denying citizens their rights, but the misuse of recordings. He stressed that legitimate recordings benefit both citizens and police officers, as evidence can be crucial in cases of improper officer behavior or false allegations. Giwa also noted that body cameras were being considered, although he clarified that the IG did not reject the practice of recording police officers generally.

The clarification came after a user criticized the IG’s position, suggesting that the Police equip officers with body cameras to counter citizens recording them. Giwa urged Nigerians to discuss the issue without insults, stating that both the Police and citizens share the goal of a more professional Police Force and a safer Nigeria.

The controversy began when the NBA visited Disu at the Force Headquarters, where they discussed recording police officers. Disu expressed concern over Nigerians recording officers, particularly for social media skits, calling it demoralizing. The NBA President, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, supported the distinction between legitimate recording and intrusion into officers’ private lives.

This clarification followed a Federal High Court judgment affirming Nigerians' right to record police officers performing their duties in public.