The Anambra State Police Command has arrested an Assistant Superintendent of Police captured in a viral video threatening to shoot anyone who attempted to record him while on duty, announcing that disciplinary proceedings had commenced against him.
The command identified the officer as Newton Isokpehi, attached to the Anambra State Command.
The development was disclosed 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.
Isokpehi sparked outrage on Wednesday after a video circulating on social media showed him threatening to “clear everybody down,” including bystanders, if anyone attempted to film him while carrying out official duties.
In the now-viral clip, the officer, speaking in Pidgin English and addressing the camera directly, warned that anyone who recorded him would be shot. He further threatened that any superior officer who approved the filming of policemen would be made to bury the citizens he vowed to kill.
The video quickly spread across X and Instagram before it was later deleted from his TikTok account.
However, amid public outrage, the officer released another video apologising for his remarks, claiming they were made out of frustration.
The police command said immediate action was taken once the video came to its attention.
“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 command further disclosed that the officer had undergone a drug test as part of 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, Orutugu condemned the officer’s conduct, describing it as unacceptable and inconsistent with the standards of the 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 noted.
The command assured residents and the general public that the outcome of the disciplinary process would be made public, stressing that any officer found culpable would face appropriate sanctions in line with police regulations and the law.
It also reminded officers and men of the force to remain professional, emotionally balanced and respectful in the discharge of their duties, particularly amid growing public scrutiny of security agencies.
The command commended members of the public, civil society groups and social media users for drawing attention to the incident, saying public feedback remained crucial to accountability and improved policing.
