The Nigeria Police Force has announced plans for disciplinary actions against an officer who recently threatened to shoot anyone who records him while on duty.
Earlier in the week, Officer ASP Newton Isokpehi went viral after sharing a controversial video on TikTok. In the video, ASP Isokpehi threatened to shoot anyone who makes a video of him while at work. He added that he would also shoot bystanders present during the video recording.
ASP Isokpehi argued that he had suffered for the country after serving for two decades. As such, he should not be recorded by the citizens, regardless of the Inspector General’s orders.
However, the Police Force has described the conduct and utterance as unacceptable, unprofessional, and inconsistent with their ethics. The police furthered that the actions contradict ongoing reform initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and professionalism.
According to a statement signed by Force PRO DCP Anthony Okon Placid;
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has consistently maintained that members of the public have the right to lawfully record police officers carrying out their duties, provided such recording does not obstruct operations, compromise safety, or interfere with lawful police activities.
Consequently, the officer has been summoned to the Anambra State Command headquarters for disciplinary actions. Hence, a formal statement detailing the outcome of the disciplinary measures will be communicated in due course.
The police stressed that;
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.
They also reiterated that recording police activities remains a legitimate tool for public accountability and transparency.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that the disciplinary action comes after the police officer issued a public apology. In the video, the officer described the outburst as emotional, stressing that citizens can film them.
