- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest and commencement of disciplinary action against ASP Newton Isokpehi, the officer who threatened to kill anyone that records him while on duty.
NPO Reported that Isokpehi had issued the threat in a video posted on his TikTok handle on Thursday.
The officer expressed his displeasure with the manner officers are recorded while on duty as he vowed to shoot anyone who does same to him.
While he had since recanted his statement and offered a public apology in a separate video, Isokpehi had however been summoned to the Anambra State Command Headquarters.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Force Public Relation Officer, DCP Anthony Placid.
The police spokesperson, in the statement, declared the threat video unacceptable and inconsistent with its ethics, standards, and code of conduct of the police force.
He reiterated the Inspector-General of Police’s, Olatunji Disu, stance that members of the public have the right lawfully record police officers while on duty.
“The Force wishes to state unequivocally that 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.
“Such actions run contrary to the ongoing reform initiatives of the Force aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, professionalism, and citizen-focused policing.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has consistently maintained that members of the public have the right to lawfully record police officers carrying out their duties, provided such recording does not obstruct operations, compromise safety, or interfere with lawful police activities.
“In line with this position, the officer involved has since been identified and summoned to the Anambra State Command Headquarters where immediate disciplinary procedures have commenced.” Placid wrote.
The FPPRO re-affirmed the force’s zero-tolerance to threat, intimidation and abuse of office amongst others while reiterating that recording police activities remains a legitimate tool for public accountability and transparency.
Placid assured that a formal statement on the outcome of the disciplinary measures will be made available to the public in due course.
“The Nigeria Police Force does not tolerate threats, intimidation, abuse of office, or any conduct capable of undermining public trust and confidence in law enforcement institutions.
“The Force further reiterates that recording police activities remains a legitimate tool for public accountability and transparency and should not, in itself, attract harassment or intimidation from police personnel while discharging their duties.
‘A formal statement detailing the outcome of the disciplinary measures taken against the officer will be communicated in due course.
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates members of the public for their continued partnership and constructive engagement in promoting accountability, professionalism, and improved policing standards across the country.” Placid said.