The Anambra State Police Command has detained a police officer who was seen in a viral video threatening to murder anyone who recorded him at work.
According to a news release issued by Ngozi Ezeabata, Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Finance and Administration, on behalf of Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu, the officer is Assistant Superintendent of Police Newton Isokpehi.
The message stated, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to formally address the public regarding a viral video currently circulating on social media in which a police officer was seen threatening violence and engaging in conduct unbecoming of a member of the Nigeria Police Force.”
“After a quick assessment of the footage, the command swiftly identified and arrested the officer responsible. The commanding officer is Assistant Superintendent of Police Newton Isokpehi.
“In accordance with the Nigeria Police Force’s disciplinary standards and ethical code, internal disciplinary processes have subsequently been initiated against the officer.
“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.”
ASP Newton Isokpehi had threatened to kill anyone who videotaped him, and that the Inspector General of Police who ordered them to do so would attend their funeral.
In the release, the Commissioner of Police in the Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the officer’s conduct in the video and reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution that will not tolerate misconduct, abuse of office, incitement, or any other form of unprofessional behaviour capable of undermining public trust.
The Anambra State Police Command further informed the people of Anambra State and the general public that the results of the disciplinary process would be made public and that any officer found guilty would face appropriate punishment in accordance with the law and police rules.
The command took use of the opportunity to remind officers and men of the command to stay professional, emotionally balanced, and polite while carrying out their authorised tasks, particularly in this day and age when actions and conduct are continuously scrutinised by the public.