By our reporter 21.5.2026
The policeman who threatened to shoot any citizen who dared record him while on duty has been arrested and detained.
Officer Newton Isokpehi went viral on social media Thursday to make the threats and sparked condemning reactions from Nigerians.
“Any day I am on duty as a police officer, carrying my rifle and doing my job, let somebody come and video me. That oga who gave you people the order to video us, he will go and do your burial. He will bury you. The number of you that I kill, he will be the one to bury all of you,” Isokpehi said in his video.
His statements run contrary to the Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu’s directives that citizens are free to record police officers as long as they don’t interfere with their duties. Though Isokpehi had eaten his own words, he would be made to explain his actions.
Nigeria Police Force spokesperson Anthony Placid said Thursday in a statement that officer Isopkehi will face an immediate disciplinary action.
“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.
“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.
“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 police said.