Nigeria Police Force has begun disciplinary proceedings against Inspector Newton Isokpehi after a viral video captured him threatening to kill anyone who records him while carrying out official duties.
Gatekeepers News reports that in the widely circulated clip, the officer warned that he could shoot passengers inside a commercial bus if any of them attempted to film him during an operation.
He also complained about poor welfare and working conditions within the police force, claiming he had spent 26 years in service.
“Any day I’m on duty with my rifle, let somebody video me,” the officer said in the video. “That officer who said people should record policemen will conduct your burial. I will kill anybody who videos me on duty.”
Reacting to the controversy, the police authorities confirmed that the officer has been identified and summoned to the Anambra State Police Command headquarters, where disciplinary action has already commenced.
Anthony Placide, spokesperson of the Anambra police command, said the conduct displayed in the video violates the ethics and professional standards expected of officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
He stressed that the force would not tolerate intimidation, abuse of office or actions capable of damaging public confidence in law enforcement.
According to the police, citizens are legally allowed to film officers performing their duties provided such recordings do not obstruct operations or endanger security.
The statement added that the stance aligns with repeated directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who has consistently encouraged accountability and transparency within the force as part of ongoing police reform efforts.
Police authorities also noted that the officer’s comments contradicted reforms aimed at building a more professional and citizen-focused policing system across the country.
The force assured Nigerians that the outcome of the disciplinary process against the officer would be made public after investigations are concluded.
