The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a police officer who appeared in a viral video threatening to shoot anyone who recorded him while on duty, confirming that disciplinary proceedings have been activated against him.
The command identified the officer as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Newton Isokpehi, who is attached to the Anambra State Command.
This was contained 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.
ASP Isokpehi caused public outrage on Wednesday after a video circulated on social media showing him threatening to “clear everybody down”, including bystanders, if anyone attempted to film him while performing official duties.
In the video, the officer, speaking in Pidgin English and addressing the camera, also warned that any superior officer who allowed policemen to be filmed would be made to bury the citizens he claimed he would kill.
The footage spread rapidly across X and Instagram before it was later deleted from his TikTok account. He later released another video apologising, saying his remarks were made out of frustration.
According to the police command, immediate action was taken once the video came to its attention.
“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 said.
The command also disclosed that the officer had been subjected to 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,” it added.
Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu condemned the officer’s conduct, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the standards of 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 command assured residents that the outcome of the disciplinary process would be made public, adding that any officer found guilty would face appropriate sanctions in line with police regulations and the law.
It also urged officers to remain professional, emotionally stable, and respectful in the discharge of their duties, especially amid increasing public scrutiny of security agencies.
The police command further appreciated members of the public, civil society groups, and social media users for drawing attention to the incident, noting that such feedback promotes accountability and better policing.
Residents were encouraged to continue reporting actions capable of undermining public peace and confidence in security agencies.