Nigerian comedian and social commentator DeeOne has criticised Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, over comments concerning the recording of police officers while carrying out their duties.

DeeOne expressed concern that statements discouraging Nigerians from recording policemen in public could create tension between law enforcement officers and citizens.

The comedian made his position known in a video shared on Instagram on Thursday, following reports that the IGP had urged members of the public to exercise restraint when recording police officers during official operations.

Disu reportedly argued that the increasing practice of filming policemen while on duty could have a demoralising effect on officers and called for Nigerians to allow the police to perform their responsibilities.

However, DeeOne disagreed with the position, arguing that citizens should be able to document encounters with law enforcement officers, particularly in public places.

According to him, recordings can provide evidence when disputes arise between members of the public and police officers.

The comedian also referred to the events that preceded the #EndSARS protests, noting that videos showing alleged police misconduct played a significant role in drawing public attention to complaints against the Force.

DeeOne warned that discouraging citizens from documenting police encounters could fuel suspicion and potentially worsen tensions.

He said Nigerians should not be made to feel intimidated when interacting with police officers, adding that officers should also be equipped with body cameras to provide independent records of encounters with members of the public.

The comedian further claimed that he recently encountered an officer at a police station whom he alleged was intoxicated, saying the incident raised concerns about the readiness of officers carrying firearms.

He therefore called on the IGP to prioritise stronger cooperation between the police and citizens instead of making statements that could be interpreted as restricting citizens' ability to document police activities.

DeeOne also commended the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for reportedly raising concerns over the issue and urged the police leadership to promote greater trust between officers and members of the public.

He said maintaining peace between the police and citizens should remain a priority, stressing that the authority of the police should not translate into intimidation of ordinary Nigerians.

DeeOne: Citizens Need Transparency

DeeOne's comments come amid a broader conversation about police accountability, citizens' rights and the use of smartphones to document interactions with law enforcement.

The debate has continued to generate reactions, particularly because recordings of police encounters can sometimes become important evidence in cases involving allegations of misconduct.

For DeeOne, allowing citizens to document police activities in public could help promote transparency and protect both civilians and responsible police officers.