The Anambra State Police Command has arrested an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) who appeared in a viral video threatening to shoot anyone who attempted to record him while on duty.
The officer, identified as ASP Newton Isokpehi and attached to the state command, is also facing internal disciplinary proceedings following the incident.
The development was confirmed 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 video, which circulated widely on Wednesday across X and Instagram, showed the officer issuing threats in Pidgin English, warning that he would “clear everybody down,” including bystanders, if anyone tried to film him while performing his duties.
In the footage, he also directed threats at any superior officer who might permit the recording of police activities, saying such approval could lead to extreme consequences for civilians allegedly involved.
The video was later deleted from his TikTok account, after which the officer released another clip apologising for his comments and attributing them to frustration.
According to the police command, swift action was taken immediately the video came to its attention.
“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 read.
It added that disciplinary processes had been activated in line with the ethical code and regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.
The command also disclosed that the officer had been subjected to a drug test as part of ongoing investigations aimed at establishing all surrounding circumstances.
