Transparency in policing has come under fresh scrutiny, with the Nigerian Bar Association defending the public’s right to record police officers while carrying out lawful duties.
NBA President, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, made the position known during an engagement with Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on the legal limits of recording officers.
She said citizens should not automatically be stopped from recording police operations, while stressing the need to protect the privacy of officers and other individuals.
Badejo-Okusanya cited the use of body cameras by police in the United States as an example of how recording can promote accountability and help identify misconduct.
She, however, called for clear legal boundaries to prevent the right from being abused, suggesting that existing laws could be strengthened or properly interpreted to balance transparency with privacy.
Earlier, IGP Disu had questioned the legality and limits of citizens recording police officers on duty, describing the development as demoralising for law enforcement.
Disu alleged that some people had gone beyond recording officers during official duties to filming them in places such as restaurants.
The IGP also invited the NBA to participate in a police symposium in Owerri, Imo State, where the issue is expected to receive further discussion.
