The Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State has detained a police officer identified as Newton Isokpehi after a viral video surfaced online showing him threatening to kill anyone caught recording him while carrying out official duties.
The officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Newton Isokpehi, sparked outrage on social media after the clip showed him issuing aggressive warnings to members of the public during an operation.
In the now-viral video, the officer allegedly threatened that he would “clear everybody down” if anyone attempted to film him while he was on duty.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed his arrest in a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Ngozi Ezeabata, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu.
According to the police command, the officer was quickly identified after the video spread widely across various social media platforms.
Authorities also confirmed that internal disciplinary procedures had already commenced against him in line with police regulations and ethical standards.
“Following a prompt review of the video, the Command immediately identified and arrested the officer involved. The officer is an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Newton Isokpehi, serving in the Command.
“In line with the disciplinary standards and ethical code of the Nigeria Police Force, internal disciplinary proceedings have since been activated against the officer,” the statement read.
The controversial video reportedly circulated heavily on platforms including TikTok, Instagram and X before it was later removed from the officer’s TikTok account.
In another video that surfaced afterward, Isokpehi apologised for his comments and claimed that frustration influenced his actions and statements in the earlier clip.
The police command further disclosed that the officer had undergone a drug test as part of ongoing investigations into the incident.
“As part of the ongoing investigation, the officer has also been subjected to a drug test to aid the Command in establishing all surrounding circumstances and ensuring a thorough and transparent process,” the statement added.
Reacting to the matter, Commissioner Orutugu strongly condemned the conduct displayed by the officer, stressing that such behaviour does not represent the values and professionalism expected within the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns the conduct displayed by the officer in the video and reiterates that the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution that will not condone misconduct, abuse of office, incitement, or any form of unprofessional behaviour capable of undermining public trust and confidence,” the statement read.
The police command assured residents of Anambra State that the disciplinary process would be transparent and that any officer found guilty would face appropriate punishment under police regulations and the law.
“The Anambra State Police Command further assures Ndi Anambra and the general public that the outcome of the disciplinary process will be made public and that any officer found culpable will face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law and police regulations,” it added.
The command also reminded officers and personnel to remain professional, emotionally balanced and respectful while interacting with members of the public, particularly at a time when security personnel are constantly being recorded and scrutinised online.
“The Command also uses this opportunity to remind officers and men of the Command to remain professional, emotionally balanced, and respectful while carrying out their lawful duties, especially in this era where actions and conduct are constantly subjected to public scrutiny,” the statement stated.
The police leadership further appreciated residents, civil society groups and social media users for drawing attention to the incident and assisting efforts aimed at improving accountability within the force.
What you should know
The Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly faced public criticism over misconduct, abuse of power and unprofessional conduct by some officers, especially in the social media era where incidents are often recorded and shared online.
Viral videos involving officers have increasingly led to public pressure for accountability and disciplinary action. The detention of ASP Newton Isokpehi follows growing calls for reforms and improved professionalism within the police force. Authorities say disciplinary procedures are ongoing and the final outcome will be made public.
The incident has also reignited discussions about citizens’ rights to record public officials while carrying out duties and the importance of transparency in law enforcement operations across Nigeria.
