Anambra Police Arrest Officer after a viral video showed ASP Newton Isokpehi threatening to shoot citizens filming him on duty

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested Assistant Superintendent of Police Newton Isokpehi after a viral social media video showed the officer threatening to shoot dead anyone who recorded him while on duty.

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The command confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Thursday by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Ngozi Ezeabata, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu.

Newton Isokpehi, who is attached to the Anambra State Command, sparked widespread outrage on Wednesday after a video surfaced online in which the officer threatened to “clear everybody down” if anyone filmed him while performing official duties.

In the video, recorded in Pidgin English, Newton Isokpehi also threatened bystanders and warned that any superior officer who approved the filming of police officers would be forced to bury the citizens he vowed to kill.

The footage spread rapidly across social media platforms, including X and Instagram, before it was later deleted from the officer’s TikTok page.

Newton Isokpehi subsequently posted another video apologising for the remarks, claiming the statements were made out of frustration.

According to the statement, the command acted swiftly after the video emerged online.

“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 said.

The command added that internal disciplinary proceedings had already been activated in line with the ethical standards and regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

Authorities also disclosed that Newton Isokpehi had undergone a drug test as part of ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the disturbing incident.

“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,” the statement added.

Ikioye Orutugu strongly condemned the officer’s conduct, describing the behaviour as reckless, unprofessional and incompatible with the values of the police force.

“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.

The command assured residents that the disciplinary outcome would be made public and that any officer found culpable would face appropriate sanctions under the law and police regulations.

It also reminded officers and personnel within the command to remain professional, emotionally balanced and respectful while carrying out their duties, particularly in an era of intense public scrutiny and widespread social media monitoring.

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The command further commended members of the public, civil society organisations and social media users for drawing attention to the incident, describing the public response as valuable to accountability and improved policing standards.