The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the conduct of a police officer captured in a viral video making threatening remarks against members of the public filming police activities, announcing that disciplinary procedures have already commenced against the officer.
The officer, identified as ASP Newton Isokpehi, was seen in the widely circulated video allegedly issuing threats to civilians recording police operations, sparking criticism and public concern on social media.
Reacting to the incident on Thursday, the Force, through its Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid described the officer’s conduct and utterances as unacceptable, unprofessional, and contrary to the ethics and standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
Revealing the position of the Force via a statement said, the police authorities said the behaviour displayed in the video undermined ongoing reforms aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, professionalism, and citizen-focused policing.
“The Force wishes to state unequivocally that the conduct and utterances exhibited in the video are unacceptable, unprofessional, and inconsistent with the ethics, standards, and code of conduct of the Nigeria Police Force,” Placid stated.
“Such actions run contrary to the ongoing reform initiatives of the Force aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, professionalism, and citizen-focused policing.”
The Force further reiterated that Nigerians have the lawful right to record police officers carrying out their duties, provided such recordings do not obstruct operations or compromise public safety.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, 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,” the statement said.
According to the police, the officer involved has already been identified and summoned to the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters, where disciplinary proceedings have commenced.
“In line with this position, the officer involved has since been identified and summoned to the Anambra State Command Headquarters where immediate disciplinary procedures have commenced,” Placid disclosed.
The Force stressed that it would not tolerate intimidation, abuse of office, or any misconduct capable of eroding public trust in law enforcement institutions.
“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,” the statement added.
The police also reaffirmed that recording police activities remains a legitimate tool for public accountability and transparency and should not attract harassment from officers.
“The Force further reiterates that recording police activities remains a legitimate tool for public accountability and transparency and should not, in itself, attract harassment or intimidation from police personnel while discharging their duties,” Placid said.
The Force Public Relations Officer noted that the outcome of the disciplinary process against the officer would be made public in due course.
“A formal statement detailing the outcome of the disciplinary measures taken against the officer will be communicated in due course,” he added.
The Nigeria Police Force also appreciated members of the public for their continued engagement and support in promoting accountability and improved policing standards across the country.
