The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a serving officer after a video of him threatening to shoot and kill any civilian who filmed him while on duty went viral on social media, sparking widespread public outrage.
The officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Newton Isokpehi, was captured on video issuing graphic threats in Pidgin English, warning members of the public against recording him during his duties.
“I will clear everybody down,” said ASP Newton Isokpehi in the viral video
Isokpehi, who claimed to have 26 years of service in the clip, told bystanders he would bury anyone who attempted to record him, remarks that drew immediate condemnation and calls for his dismissal.
Following his arrest, the Anambra State Police Command officially activated internal disciplinary proceedings against the officer. As part of the investigation, Isokpehi was subjected to a mandatory drug test to determine his mental state at the time of the outburst, the command confirmed.
The Anambra State Police Command has activated internal disciplinary proceedings against ASP Isokpehi and has subjected him to a mandatory drug test as part of the ongoing investigation.
In a second video that emerged after his arrest, Isokpehi appeared to walk back his remarks, offering an apology to Nigerians and acknowledging that citizens are legally entitled to film police officers.
“My outburst was born out of frustration, trauma from past operational gunshot wounds, and anger. Citizens do have the right to film the police, “ASP Newton Isokpehi said in his apology video
His case has renewed debate in Nigeria about police accountability and the right of citizens to document law enforcement activities, rights that are protected under Nigerian law and affirmed by the Nigeria Police Force’s own public conduct guidelines.
Disciplinary proceedings are ongoing. The results of the drug test have not yet been made public.
