The Nigeria Police Force has launched disciplinary proceedings against Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Newton Isokpehi after a viral video showed him allegedly threatening to shoot members of the public for filming police activities.
The development has quickly become a major national conversation about police accountability, citizens’ rights to document law-enforcement conduct, and the broader reform agenda under Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
According to a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer Anthony Okon Placid, the officer seen in the viral footage has been identified and summoned to the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters, where disciplinary procedures have already commenced.
The police statement described the officer’s conduct as “unacceptable, ” “unprofessional”, and contrary to the ethics and standards of the Force.
The Force Headquarters emphasized that Nigerians have the legal right to record police officers while they are performing public duties, so long as such recording does not obstruct operations or compromise safety.
The statement further stressed that intimidation, threats, and abuse of office would not be tolerated under the current police leadership.
The controversy touches on one of the most sensitive issues in Nigerian policing: public mistrust of law-enforcement officers.
Over the past decade, videos recorded by citizens have played a crucial role in exposing:
▪︎ Police brutality
▪︎ Extortion
▪︎ Extrajudicial killings
▪︎ Illegal detention
▪︎ Abuse of firearms
▪︎ Corruption at checkpoints
The most globally significant example was the 2020 End SARS protests movement, which erupted after repeated allegations of abuses by the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Citizen recordings and viral social-media videos became central evidence during the protests and subsequent judicial panels of inquiry across Nigeria.
Because of this history, any attempt by officers to prevent filming is now viewed by many Nigerians as an attack on transparency and accountability.
The latest statement from the Force Headquarters is particularly notable because it publicly reaffirms the rights of citizens to record police activities.
According to the police, recording officers is lawful provided it does not interfere with official duties or compromise operational safety.
Since becoming Inspector-General earlier this year, Olatunji Rilwan Disu has repeatedly spoken about reform, professionalism, and ending impunity within the Force.
Recent actions and statements include:
1. “Era of Impunity Is Over”
During official visits and internal conferences, the IGP warned officers against misconduct and abuse of power, stating that unprofessional behavior would attract disciplinary consequences.
2. Nationwide Audit of Police Arms
The police leadership recently ordered a nationwide audit of weapons and ammunition to improve accountability and prevent misuse of firearms.
3. Warnings Against Extrajudicial Killings
The IGP publicly warned officers that police uniforms do not shield anyone from prosecution and stated that officers involved in unlawful killings could be dismissed and prosecuted.
4. Redeployments and Internal Restructuring
The Force has also carried out major redeployments and command restructuring as part of institutional reforms.
Pattern of Recent Disciplinary Actions
The ASP Isokpehi case is not isolated.
In recent weeks, the police have announced disciplinary measures in several viral misconduct incidents.
One notable case involved an officer in Ekiti State who was filmed behaving erratically in uniform. The Force confirmed that the officer was detained and subjected to disciplinary and psychological evaluation procedures.
Another controversial case involved allegations of unlawful killings in Delta State, after which the police announced dismissals, prosecutions, and operational shakeups.
These incidents suggest the Force is attempting to project a tougher stance on misconduct than in previous years.
