Recording Police Officers Not an Offence, Edo Court Rules

Matilda Omonaiye/

The Evbuoriaria Magistrates’ Court, in Benin, Edo State, has ruled out a case against one Vision Nelson, who was accused of filming the arrest of a tricycle rider by the police.

The New Etete police division had arrested Nelson, on July 26, 2023, for recording the arrest of one Brighton Odion in the city.

Nelson was charged to court for taking pictures and videos of the arrest with his mobile phone.

Odion, who the police arrested for violating the governor’s tricycle ban order, was also charged to court.

The accused were defended by Edo State civil society organisations through Barrister Dele Igbinedion’s chamber.

Ruling out the charges, the magistrate said that “videoing or recording in a public place is not an offence; citizens have rights to do recordings anywhere, anytime”.

The judge ruled out the case for a lack of merit.

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