A viral video shows a man identified as Newton Isokpehi, a serving police officer, threatening to kill any Nigerian who records him while he is on duty. In the clip, he said the order allowing citizens to film officers was wrong and that he would shoot passengers in a bus if someone filmed him.
After the video sparked outrage, Isokpehi issued an apology on TikTok, blaming anger and frustration, and claimed people are abusing the right to record. A federal high court in Delta had earlier ruled that Nigerians have the constitutional right to record police officers during stop‑and‑search operations.
Key Points:
The officer’s threat directly challenges a court ruling protecting citizens’ right to record police.
His apology came only after public backlash, not from internal disciplinary action.
Fear of recording undermines accountability and emboldens potential misconduct.
The incident highlights poor working conditions in the police force, which the officer cited as a source of frustration.
The police leadership has yet to publicly respond to the threat or announce any disciplinary measures.
Sources: TheCable, TikTok, Federal High Court ruling.
