By Desire Emmanuel
The Nigeria Police Force on Thursday, May 21, said the police officer who made threatening remarks about Nigerians recording activities of policemen on videos has been identified and disciplinary measures against him have commenced.
The officer, ASP Newton Isokpehi, attached to the Anambra State Police Command, was seen in a video that went viral where he made the threatening remarks.
However, following the backlash the video generated, the officer later made another video apologising for making such threats.
Following the development and apparently angry with the officer’s conduct, the Nigeria Police Force said in a statement that the officer had been identified while disciplinary measures against him had commenced.
“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,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, 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.
“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 statement added.
The Nigeria Police stated that a formal statement detailing the outcome of the disciplinary measures taken against the officer will be communicated “in due course.”
