The police officer who went viral on social media after threatening to shoot dead anyone who recorded him while on duty has been arrested by the Anambra State Police Command after unveiling his identity
Penpushing reports that Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Ngozi Ezeabata, made this known in a statement and announcing the activation of internal disciplinary proceedings against him.
The statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, on Thursday identified the officer as Assistant Superintendent of Police Newton Isokpehi, attached to the Anambra State Command.
Penpushing further reports that it would be recalled that Isokpehi had on Wednesday triggered widespread public outrage after a video of him surfaced on social media in which he threatened to clear everybody down, including bystanders, if anyone filmed him while on duty.
The statement stated that the command had moved swiftly upon sighting the video and immediately identified and arrested the officer involved, adding that he was subsequently subjected to a drug test as part of efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“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.
“In line with the disciplinary standards and ethical code of the Nigeria Police Force, internal disciplinary proceedings have since been activated against the officer,” the statement read.
“As part of the ongoing investigation, the officer has also been subjected to a drug test to aid the Command in establishing all surrounding circumstances and ensuring a thorough and transparent process,” it stated.
Penpushing also reports that the commissioner strongly condemned the officer’s conduct, describing it as incompatible with the values of the force and a threat to public confidence in the institution.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns the conduct displayed by the officer in the video and reiterates that the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution that will not condone misconduct, abuse of office, incitement, or any form of unprofessional behaviour capable of undermining public trust and confidence,” the statement read.
Penpushing reports that the statement added that on the outcome of the disciplinary process, the command gave a firm assurance that justice would be served openly, as well as issued a direct reminder to officers on the standards expected of them while on duty.
“The Anambra State Police Command further assures Ndi Anambra and the general public that the outcome of the disciplinary process will be made public and that any officer found culpable will face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law and police regulations,” it said.
The command also used the statement to
“The Command also uses this opportunity to remind officers and men of the Command to remain professional, emotionally balanced, and respectful while carrying out their lawful duties, especially in this era where actions and conduct are constantly subjected to public scrutiny,” it stated.
Penpushing further reports that the command praised members of the public and civil society groups for their role in bringing the video to wider attention, describing their intervention as a contribution to police accountability.
“The Command appreciates members of the public, civil society groups, and social media users who continue to assist the Police with credible information capable of improving service delivery and accountability.
“Residents are encouraged to continue reporting incidents or behaviours capable of undermining public peace, safety, and confidence in security agencies,” the statement read.
Penpushing also reports the officer speaking in Pidgin English and addressing the camera directly, vowed to ensure that any superior officer who sanctioned the filming of officers will be dealt with.
The video spread rapidly on X and Instagram before being deleted from his TikTok page, and he subsequently posted a second video apologising and describing his earlier remarks as made out of frustration.
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