The Anambra State Police Command has arrested the officer who went viral on social media after threatening to shoot dead anyone who recorded him while on duty, confirming his identity and announcing the activation of internal disciplinary proceedings against him.
The command, in a press statement signed and released by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Ngozi Ezeabata, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, on Thursday identified the officer as Assistant Superintendent of Police Newton Isokpehi, attached to the Anambra State Command.
Isokpehi had on Wednesday triggered widespread public outrage after a video of him surfaced on social media in which he threatened to “clear everybody down”, including bystanders, if anyone filmed him while on duty.
Speaking in Pidgin English and addressing the camera directly, he also vowed to ensure that any superior officer who sanctioned the filming of officers buried the citizens he vowed to kill.
The video spread rapidly on X and Instagram before being deleted from his TikTok page. He subsequently posted a second video apologising and describing his earlier remarks as made out of frustration.
The statement revealed that the command had moved swiftly upon sighting the video.
“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.
“In line with the disciplinary standards and ethical code of the Nigeria Police Force, internal disciplinary proceedings have since been activated against the officer,” the statement read.
The command also disclosed that Isokpehi had been subjected to a drug test as part of efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“As part of the ongoing investigation, the officer has also been subjected to a drug test to aid the Command in establishing all surrounding circumstances and ensuring a thorough and transparent process,” it stated.
Orutugu strongly condemned the officer’s conduct, describing it as incompatible with the values of the force and a threat to public confidence in the institution.
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“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 read.
On the outcome of the disciplinary process, the command gave a firm assurance that justice would be served openly.
“The Anambra State Police Command further assures Ndi Anambra and the general public that the outcome of the disciplinary process will be made public and that any officer found culpable will face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law and police regulations,” it said.
The command also used the statement to issue a direct reminder to officers on the standards expected of them while on duty.
“The Command also uses this opportunity to remind officers and men of the Command to remain professional, emotionally balanced, and respectful while carrying out their lawful duties, especially in this era where actions and conduct are constantly subjected to public scrutiny,” it stated.
It praised members of the public and civil society groups for their role in bringing the video to wider attention, describing their intervention as a contribution to police accountability.
“The Command appreciates members of the public, civil society groups, and social media users who continue to assist the Police with credible information capable of improving service delivery and accountability.
“Residents are encouraged to continue reporting incidents or behaviours capable of undermining public peace, safety, and confidence in security agencies,” the statement read.
