Police nab officer for threat against civilians who record him in operation

Ebun Emmanuel –May 20,20

The Nigeria Police Force has announced that disciplinary procedures have commenced against the policeman threatening to kill civilian in a viral video.

The officer, identified as ASP Newton Isokpehi, was seen in the widely circulated video issuing threats to civilians recording police operations,.

Reacting to the incident on Thursday, the Force 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.

A statement by the FPRO added the behaviour displayed in the video undermined ongoing reforms aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, professionalism, and citizen-focused policing.

He said, “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.

“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.”

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.

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 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.