Olayiwola Matthew
The Nigeria Police Force has detained one of its officers, Newton Isokpehi, after a viral video surfaced showing him threatening to kill anyone who attempted to record him while carrying out official duties.
Police spokesperson Anthony Placid confirmed the development, stating that disciplinary proceedings have already commenced against the officer over the controversial remarks.
According to the police authorities, the officer’s comments were unprofessional, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the ethics, values, and ongoing reform efforts of the force.
The incident triggered widespread criticism on social media after the officer was heard in the video warning that anyone who filmed him during operations could be killed. The statement raised fresh concerns about abuse of authority and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The police also emphasized that the officer’s remarks directly contradicted the position earlier stated by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, who affirmed that Nigerians are legally permitted to record police officers performing official duties, provided such recordings do not obstruct operations or endanger security.
Following the public backlash, the officer released an apology video in which he admitted his comments were inappropriate and made out of anger.
