Pralarg Magazine Pralarg Magazine
By Step Rights Magazine
The Prisons Rehabilitation and Law Abiding Organization International (PRALARG International) has welcomed a landmark judgment by the Federal High Court in Warri, describing it as a major step forward in strengthening civil liberties and promoting accountability within Nigeria’s law enforcement system.
In a press conference statement, the New Jersey–based, non-governmental human rights organization praised the ruling delivered by Honourable Justice H. A. Nganjiwa, which affirms the legal right of citizens to record police officers while performing their duties in public.
PRALARG International said the judgment addresses longstanding concerns among Nigerians who have faced intimidation and harassment when attempting to document interactions with police, particularly in cases involving officers without proper identification or operating from unmarked vehicles.
According to the organization, the court made it clear that citizens are legally entitled to record police activities in public spaces without fear of arrest, harassment, or confiscation of their devices. It also stressed that officers are required to wear proper identification, including name tags and force numbers, and that anonymous policing is unlawful.
“This historic judgment marks a significant advancement in the protection of civil liberties and the promotion of accountability within law enforcement operations in Nigeria,” the statement said.
PRALARG International described the ruling as a reaffirmation of democratic principles, transparency, and the rule of law, adding that it strengthens public confidence in the judiciary as a protector of fundamental human rights.
The organization also highlighted the court’s award of damages and litigation costs, noting that it underscores the seriousness of rights violations and reinforces the need for institutional accountability.
It commended lawyer Maxwell N. Uwaifo for pursuing the case, describing his efforts as a demonstration of legal courage in advancing justice and safeguarding citizens’ rights.
PRALARG International further called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately align their operations with the court’s directives. It urged authorities to retrain officers to respect citizens’ rights and to recognise accountability as a cornerstone of professional policing.
Describing the ruling as “a transformative moment” in Nigeria’s human rights landscape, Comrade Olayemi Akinwunmi, the CEO of Pralarg International, said it empowers citizens and reinforces the principle that no authority is above the law.
PRALARG International reiterated its commitment to advancing justice, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring that law enforcement agencies operate within the bounds of the law and respect for human dignity.