Pat Stevens/
The Nigeria Police Force has ordered disciplinary action against Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Newton Isokpehi, after a viral video showed him threatening to shoot anyone who attempted to film him while on duty.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the police described the officer’s conduct as “unacceptable, unprofessional, and inconsistent with the ethics, standards, and code of conduct” of the Force.
The incident triggered widespread outrage on social media after Isokpehi, who identified himself as a serving police officer, warned members of the public against recording him during operations.
In the now viral clip, the officer reportedly declared that he would kill anybody caught filming him while carrying out police duties, despite longstanding public calls for greater police accountability and transparency in Nigeria.
Reacting to the backlash, the police authorities said the officer had been identified and summoned to the Anambra State Police Command headquarters, where disciplinary procedures had already commenced.
“The Nigeria Police Force does not tolerate threats, intimidation, abuse of office, or any conduct capable of undermining public trust and confidence in law enforcement institutions,” the statement said.
The Force also reaffirmed that Nigerians have the legal right to record police officers performing their duties, provided such recordings do not obstruct operations or compromise public safety.
According to the statement, the position aligns with the directive repeatedly emphasised by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, who has publicly supported lawful citizen recordings as part of efforts to promote accountability and citizen-focused policing.
Amid mounting criticism online, Isokpehi later released another video in which he apologised to Nigerians, insisting his earlier remarks were made out of anger and frustration.
“I spoke out of annoyance because of the things happening around. Please forgive me if I offended anybody,” the officer said in the apology video shared on social media.
He also attempted to clarify that he was not opposed to citizens filming police personnel, saying his comments had been misunderstood.
The controversy has again drawn attention to recurring concerns over police conduct and citizens’ rights in Nigeria, particularly in the aftermath of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which intensified demands for police reform, accountability, and respect for human rights.
In recent months, the police hierarchy has repeatedly sanctioned officers captured in viral videos involving extortion, harassment, and abuse of power, as part of efforts to rebuild public confidence in the Force.
0Related posts:
Internal Security Dynamics and the Imperative of a New Policing Thought in Nigeria
IGP Disu Orders Transfer of Policemen in Viral Lagos Incident to Abuja for Disciplinary Action
Kano Police Deny Going after TV Reporter who Released IGP Idris’ Embarrassing Video
Elections and the Role of the Nigeria Police Force in the Electoral Process – Solomon Arase
Pomp as Nigeria Police Force Crowns DIG Adeleye Oyebade’s Career with Glory
Nigeria Police Begin Disciplinary Proceedings Against 167 Senior Officers