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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commenced disciplinary action against Newton Isokpehi, an officer who threatened to kill anyone who filmed him while on duty.
In a viral video, Isokpehi also threatened to shoot dead every passenger in a bus should someone in the vehicle film him while he is on duty.
The police officer claimed that he has spent 26 years in service, while lamenting the poor working conditions in the force.
“Any day I’m on duty as an officer while holding my rifle, let someone video me,” he warned.
“That oga who gave the order that police officers should be filmed, he will do your burial. I will kill anyone who films me on duty.”
‘WE’VE SUMMONED HIM’
In a statement on Thursday, Anthony Placid, force spokesperson, said Isokpehi has been summoned to the Anambra police headquarters where disciplinary procedures have commenced.
Placid said the police do not “tolerate threats, intimidation, abuse of office, or any conduct capable of undermining public trust and confidence in law enforcement institutions”.
The force spokesperson said recording the activities of police officers discharging their duties is a “legitimate tool for public accountability and transparency”, which should not attract harassment.
“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,” the statement reads.
“Such actions run contrary to the ongoing reform initiatives of the Force aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, professionalism, and citizen-focused policing.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, 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.
“A formal statement detailing the outcome of the disciplinary measures taken against the officer will be communicated in due course.”
