The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strongly condemned the conduct of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Newton Isokpehi, who was captured in a viral video making threatening remarks against members of the public recording police activities.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, described the officer’s behaviour as “unacceptable, unprofessional, and inconsistent with the ethics and standards of the Nigeria Police Force.”
The NPF emphasized that such actions contradict its ongoing reform agenda focused on promoting transparency, accountability, professionalism, and citizen-centred policing.
According to the statement, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has consistently maintained that members of the public have the right to lawfully record police officers performing their duties, as long as the recording does not obstruct operations or endanger lives.
“The officer involved has since been identified and summoned to the Anambra State Command Headquarters, where immediate disciplinary procedures have commenced,” the statement read.
The Force warned that it would not tolerate any form of threat, intimidation, or abuse of office by its personnel, stressing that such behaviours erode public confidence in law enforcement.
The NPF further reiterated that recording police activities is a legitimate tool for ensuring public accountability and transparency, and should not attract harassment from officers.
A detailed update on the outcome of the disciplinary process against ASP Isokpehi is expected to be released in due course.