By: Ganiyu Olayinka
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced disciplinary proceedings against Newton Isokpehi, a police officer who publicly threatened to kill any member of the public who filmed him on duty.
In a video that went viral online, Isokpehi claimed 26 years of service in the force and spoke at length about poor working conditions. He also threatened to shoot every passenger in a bus if anyone on board filmed him while he was working.
“Any day I am on duty with my rifle, if someone videos me, I will kill that person,” he warned. He added that whoever had authorised citizens to film officers would be responsible for arranging the funerals of those who did.
In a statement issued on Thursday, police spokesperson Anthony Placid confirmed that Isokpehi had been summoned to the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters, where disciplinary procedures are already under way.
Placid stated that the force does not tolerate threats, intimidation, abuse of office, or any conduct likely to undermine public trust in law enforcement. He added that recording police officers in the discharge of their duties is a legitimate tool for accountability and transparency and should not invite harassment.
“The conduct and utterances exhibited in the video are unacceptable, unprofessional, and inconsistent with the ethics, standards, and code of conduct of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement read. “Such actions run contrary to the ongoing reform initiatives of the Force aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, professionalism, and citizen-focused policing.”
The statement further noted that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has consistently maintained that members of the public have the right to lawfully record officers carrying out their duties, provided the recording does not obstruct operations, compromise safety, or interfere with lawful police activities.
The force said a formal statement detailing the outcome of the disciplinary process would be issued in due course.
Tags: #NPF #IGP #Olatunji Rilwan Disu