Breaking: Police Detain Officer Over Viral Video Showing Threat To Shoot Bystanders

The officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Newton Isokpehi, triggered widespread outrage on Wednesday after a clip circulated on social media showing him warning that he would “clear everybody down,” including bystanders, if anyone tried to film him during official operations.

In the video, the officer, speaking in Pidgin English, also issued a controversial warning that any senior officer who permitted the recording of police activities would be forced to “bury the citizens” he claimed he would kill.

The footage rapidly spread across platforms such as and Instagram before it was later deleted from his TikTok account.

Shortly after, the officer released another video in which he apologised for his comments, attributing them to frustration at the time.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Finance and Administration), Ngozi Ezeabata, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, the Command confirmed that the officer had been arrested and disciplinary proceedings initiated.

The Command said immediate action was taken once the video came to its attention, leading to the identification and detention of the officer.

It further confirmed that ASP Newton Isokpehi, serving within the Command, is now undergoing internal disciplinary procedures in line with the ethics and regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

As part of the investigation, the Command also disclosed that the officer had been subjected to a drug test to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure a transparent review process.

The Commissioner of Police condemned the officer’s behaviour, describing it as unacceptable and inconsistent with the standards expected of the Nigeria Police Force.

He stressed that the force would not tolerate misconduct, abuse of authority, incitement, or any behaviour capable of eroding public trust.

The Command assured residents of Anambra State and the general public that the outcome of the disciplinary process would be made public, and that any officer found guilty would face appropriate sanctions under the law.

It also reminded officers to maintain professionalism, emotional restraint, and respect in the discharge of their duties, especially amid increasing public scrutiny of security agencies.

Additionally, the Command commended members of the public, civil society groups, and social media users for bringing the incident to attention, noting that such vigilance supports accountability and improved policing.