By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Police Force has started disciplinary proceedings against a police officer, Newton Isokpehi, after a video surfaced online in which he threatened members of the public who record officers on duty.
In the viral clip, the officer also warned that he could shoot passengers inside a vehicle if anyone attempted to film him while carrying out his duties.
Isokpehi, who claimed to have spent twenty-six years in the police force, complained about the welfare and working conditions of officers during the video.
“Any day I’m on duty as an officer while holding my rifle, let someone video me,” he warned.
“That oga who gave the order that police officers should be filmed, he will do your burial. I will kill anyone who films me on duty.”
Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the officer had been invited for questioning and disciplinary action.
In a statement released on Thursday, police spokesperson Anthony Placid said the command does not support threats, intimidation or abuse of office by any personnel.
Placid stated that citizens have the right to record police officers while carrying out lawful duties, provided such actions do not obstruct operations or compromise security.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.
“A formal statement detailing the outcome of the disciplinary measures taken against the officer will be communicated in due course.”