ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Anambra State Police Command has arrested an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Newton Isokpehi, after a viral video showed him threatening to shoot anyone who attempted to record him while on duty.
ASP Isokpehi came under public criticism on Wednesday after footage circulating on social media captured him issuing violent threats, including a warning that he would “clear everybody down,” bystanders included, if anyone tried to film him during official police operations.
In the video, the officer was seen speaking in Pidgin English and directly addressing the camera, further warning that any superior officer who authorised the filming of police personnel would be made to “bury the citizens” he claimed he would kill.
The clip spread rapidly across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram before it was later deleted from his TikTok account. The officer later released another video in which he apologised for his remarks, attributing them to frustration.
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Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Police Command said it moved swiftly once the video came to its attention.
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 command confirmed the officer’s arrest and the commencement of disciplinary action.
“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 said.
It added that internal disciplinary proceedings had already been activated in line with the ethical standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
The command further disclosed that the officer had been subjected to a drug test as part of investigations into 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.
Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the conduct, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the professional standards expected of officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
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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 added.
The command assured residents of Anambra State that the outcome of the disciplinary process would be made public, stressing that any officer found culpable would face appropriate sanctions.
It also urged officers of the command to remain professional, emotionally stable, and respectful in the discharge of their duties, especially amid growing public scrutiny of security agencies.
The police further commended members of the public, civil society organisations, and social media users for bringing the incident to attention, noting that such feedback supports accountability and improved policing.
“Residents are encouraged to continue reporting incidents or behaviours capable of undermining public peace, safety, and confidence in security agencies,” the statement added.