Victory
Court Declares: Nigerians Free to Record Police on Duty in Landmark Ruling
By Our Security Reporter
In a landmark judgment set to redefine police-citizen relations, the Federal High Court sitting in Warri has affirmed that Nigerians have the constitutional right to record police officers while performing their duties in public spaces.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, is widely regarded as a major boost for transparency, accountability, and civil liberties in Nigeria.
According to the court, recording law enforcement officers in the course of their official duties does not, in itself, constitute an offence, provided such actions do not obstruct or interfere with police operations. The judgment emphasized that citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information, as enshrined in the Constitution, extend to documenting public officials in public places.
Legal analysts say the decision establishes a strong precedent that could shape future interactions between the public and the Nigeria Police Force.
The case, which has drawn national attention, stemmed from concerns over harassment, intimidation, and in some cases arrest of citizens who attempt to film police activities. Human rights advocates have long argued that such recordings are essential tools in exposing misconduct and promoting responsible policing.
Reacting to the judgment, civil society groups hailed the decision as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. They noted that the ability of citizens to document police conduct would serve as a deterrent against abuse of power and strengthen public trust in security institutions.
“This ruling reinforces the principle that public officers are accountable to the people,” a Lagos-based human rights lawyer said. “It also empowers citizens to play an active role in ensuring transparency.”
However, security experts caution that while the right to record is now clearly recognized, citizens must exercise it responsibly and avoid actions that could hinder law enforcement operations or compromise safety.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of police accountability, the Warri Federal High Court ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications across the country, potentially influencing policy reforms and operational guidelines within the police force.
The development marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s legal landscape, strengthening civic freedoms while underscoring the delicate balance between security and individual rights.
By Our Correspondent
The High Court No. 9 in Gombe, presided over by Justice Daurabo S. Sikkam, has delivered judgment in Suit No: GM/116/2026, affirming Emir General Integrated Ltd as the rightful owner of a 1.30-hectare parcel of land along Gombe Bajoga Road, adjacent to the NURTW office in Gombe L.G.A.
Our Reporter gathered that the judgment came after a protracted legal battle against Goundscope Construction Ltd, the Gombe State Government, the Attorney General of Gombe, and the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport.
In her judgment, Justice Sikkam, after carefully reviewing the amended write of summons filed on August 30, 2025, alongside evidence and submissions from counsel representing both sides, declared that the plaintiff’s Certificate of Occupancy No. GM/15926 remains valid and binding.
The court condemned the actions of the state government and its officials in awarding contracts to Grandscope Construction Ltd, which led to the demolition of the plaintiff’s structures and unauthorized development on the disputed land, ruling such acts unlawful and tantamount to trespass.
In a sweeping order, the court issued a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, or representatives from further interference with the plaintiff’s possession of the land.
The defendants were directed to evacuate all structures and items placed on the property.
Furthermore, the court awarded Emir General Integrated Ltd special damages of N15 million and general damages of N50 million, in addition to costs of action assessed at N7,200.
The judgment also imposed a 10% annual interest rate on the awarded sums until full liquidation by the defendants.
In the aftermath of the ruling, counsel to the plaintiff, Barrister Sulaiman Abdurrahim, hailed the judgment as a triumph of justice.
He noted that under the Land Use Act, when government seeks to acquire land for public interest, it is legally bound to notify the rightful owner and pay compensation, especially where a Certificate of Occupancy exists. “Our client has a valid certificate of occupancy, yet the government failed to follow due process. They also disregarded two separate court orders that had earlier restrained them from continuing work on the land,” he stated.
Barrister Abdurrahim further urged Governor Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya to comply fully with the judgment by paying the awarded damages of N65 million and vacating the property without delay.
He stressed that adherence to the court’s directive would not only restore justice to his client but also reaffirm the rule of law in Gombe State.
During the delivery of the judgment, neither counsel to Grandscope Construction Company, nor the representing counsel for the Gombe State Government, Ministry of Works and Housing, and the Attorney General were present in court.
Speaking to Judicial Analyst, Auwal Isa said “This ruling not only restores ownership rights to Emir General Integrated Ltd but also sends a strong message against unlawful encroachment on legally acquired property.”
According to the Analyst further, the judgment reinforces the sanctity of Certificates of Occupancy and underscores the judiciary’s role in protecting citizens from government overreach and corporate intrusion.
By Our Political Reporter
The candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed Kasim, has emerged winner of the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship election conducted as part of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) local government polls.
Announcing the results in the early hours of Sunday, the Returning Officer for Gwagwalada Area Council, Philip Akpen, declared that Kasim polled 22,165 votes to defeat his closest rival, Yahaya Shehu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 17,788 votes.
Akpen described the election as peaceful and smoothly conducted.
He stated:
“I am the Returning Officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council Chairmanship Election for Gwagwalada held on February 21, 2026.
“That Mohammed Kasim of the PDP, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”
He further announced that Biko Umar of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) came third with 1,687 votes.
The local government elections were conducted across the six Area Councils of the FCT — Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali — covering both chairmanship and councillorship positions.
Gwagwalada Area Council — Chairmanship Election Breakdown
Registered voters: 207,577
Accredited voters: 46,294
Results:
A – 151
AA – 116
ADC – 1,366
ADP – 128
APC – 17,788
APGA – 1,687
APM – 24
NNPP – 1,750
PDP – 22,165
SDP – 432
YPP – 158
Total valid votes: 45,710
Rejected votes: 1,521
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