The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the conduct of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Newton Isokpehi after a viral video showed the officer allegedly threatening members of the public for filming police activities.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the Force described the officer’s actions and remarks as “unacceptable, unprofessional, and inconsistent” with the ethics and standards of the police institution.
According to the statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the incident has triggered immediate disciplinary proceedings against the officer, who has already been summoned to the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters.
The police leadership said the video runs contrary to ongoing reform efforts aimed at rebuilding public trust, strengthening accountability, and promoting citizen-focused policing across the country.
“The conduct and utterances exhibited in the video are unacceptable,” the statement read. “Such actions undermine the transparency, professionalism, and accountability the Force is working to institutionalise.”
The NPF also reaffirmed that Nigerians have the legal right to record police officers carrying out their duties, provided such recordings do not obstruct operations or compromise public safety.
The statement stressed that Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has repeatedly maintained that lawful recording of police activities is a legitimate tool for public accountability and should never attract harassment, threats, or intimidation from officers.
“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 Force assured Nigerians that the outcome of the disciplinary process against ASP Isokpehi will be made public in due course.
The development comes amid growing public scrutiny of police conduct and renewed demands for accountability within Nigeria’s law enforcement system, especially in the era of social media and citizen journalism.
The police, however, expressed appreciation to members of the public for their “continued partnership and constructive engagement” in promoting professionalism and improved policing standards nationwide.
