Anambra Police Arrest Officer Who Threatened To Shoot Anyone Recording Him

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) who appeared in a viral video threatening to shoot anyone who attempted to record him while on duty.

The officer, identified as ASP Newton Isokpehi and attached to the state command, is also facing internal disciplinary proceedings following the incident.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Ngozi Ezeabata, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu.

The video, which circulated widely on Wednesday across X and Instagram, showed the officer issuing threats in Pidgin English, warning that he would “clear everybody down,” including bystanders, if anyone tried to film him while performing his duties.

In the footage, he also directed threats at any superior officer who might permit the recording of police activities, saying such approval could lead to extreme consequences for civilians allegedly involved.

The video was later deleted from his TikTok account, after which the officer released another clip apologising for his comments and attributing them to frustration.

According to the police command, swift action was taken immediately the video came to its attention.

“Following a prompt review of the video, the Command immediately identified and arrested the officer involved. The officer is an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Newton Isokpehi, serving in the Command,” the statement read.

It added that disciplinary processes had been activated in line with the ethical code and regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

The command also disclosed that the officer had been subjected to a drug test as part of ongoing investigations aimed at establishing all surrounding circumstances.

The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the officer’s conduct, describing it as unacceptable and inconsistent with the standards of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns the conduct displayed by the officer in the video and reiterates that the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution that will not condone misconduct, abuse of office, incitement, or any form of unprofessional behaviour capable of undermining public trust and confidence,” the statement said.

The command assured that the outcome of the disciplinary process would be made public, adding that any officer found culpable would face appropriate sanctions in line with police regulations and the law.

It also urged officers of the command to remain professional, emotionally balanced, and respectful in the discharge of their duties, particularly amid increasing public scrutiny of security agencies.

The police further commended members of the public, civil society organisations, and social media users for drawing attention to the incident, noting that public vigilance plays a key role in promoting accountability within the force.