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Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Media and Creativity Committee, in collaboration with Elixir Trust Foundation, invite skit makers, filmmakers, content creators, lawyers, journalists, relevant government officials, social media influencers, art enthusiasts and other stakeholders to a hybrid summit addressing the rights and limitations of artists in using set, props and costumes similar to uniforms of law enforcement and security agencies as well as depiction of the institutions and the conduct of their personnel.

In recent times, there has been a ban on the use of uniforms of law enforcement and security agencies in movies and skits. According to the Police, it is illegal under Section 251 of the Nigerian Criminal Code and Section 133 of the Penal Code to use police uniforms in movies and skits without permission. The police also say that wrong portrayal of the police institution undermines the integrity of the force and dampens the morale of its personnel. Therefore, permission is required before the portrayal, failure of which leads to arrest and prosecution. These threats have created fear in the minds of many artists who want to use their works for correcting the ills in our society.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has condemned what it described as unauthorized use of its operational identities and has warned skit makers and other content creators to desist from the act. According to the EFCC, the shameful characterization of supposed operatives of the Commission in a recent video unleashing terror on ‘suspects’, is not only embarrassing but indicative of deliberate attempt to cast shadows on the image of the Commission.

In addition to the Police and the EFCC, there have also been warnings from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).  The NDLEA in May 2022 had announced in a statement that it had put a Lagos skit maker under monitor over his frequent use of jackets usually worn by its operatives during operations in his video skits.

The Management of LASTMA, in February 2024, warned that henceforth, any skit or filmmakers caught using the agency’s uniform or its affiliated colour, kits and accoutrements without any authorization from the government would be prosecuted.

While it is acknowledged that government has a responsibility to enforce law and order, it must meet national, regional, and international human rights standards. Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the right to freedom of expression provides that, ‘‘every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impact ideas and information without interference.’’ Section 110 of the Criminal Code cited by the Police also exempts artistes from criminal liability in wearing uniforms of these security and law enforcement agencies when the purpose is for artistic performance or public entertainment. Practitioners are concerned about arbitrary enforcement of policies and regulation of content as reforms of this nature, in a democracy, require proper engagements with all stakeholders.

It is against this backdrop that UVA and NBA Media and Creativity Committee are bringing all stakeholders together to address these issues in a summit.

You’re cordially invited to join us for the 2024 Freedom Vibes Summit, a one-day hybrid event scheduled as follows: