“I Will Clear Everybody Down” — ASP Threatens to Shoot Anyone Videoing Police Officers
An Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Newton Isokpehi, has come under heavy criticism after a video surfaced online showing him threatening to shoot anyone caught recording police officers while on duty.
The video, which circulated widely on social media before it was deleted, captured the officer issuing the warning during what appeared to be a public interaction.
His comments immediately triggered outrage from Nigerians, rights groups and media commentators who described the remarks as reckless and contrary to the law.
In the clip seen by POLITICS NIGERIA, the officer said, “Any day I’m on duty as a Nigerian police officer, let anyone record me. That person will provide the officer who gave them the order to be filming us, because I will clear everybody down.”
The statement sparked heated reactions online, with many Nigerians accusing the officer of openly threatening citizens for exercising their constitutional rights.
Several social media users also questioned the professionalism of the officer and called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the matter. Others argued that recording security operatives in public spaces is not a crime, especially in situations involving alleged misconduct or abuse of power.
Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu also reacted strongly to the development. He condemned the comments and urged police authorities to take disciplinary action against the officer.
The backlash continued to grow as Nigerians tagged the official handles of the Nigeria Police Force and senior police officers, demanding sanctions and a public explanation over the incident.
Following the outrage, ASP Isokpehi later released an apology. He admitted that Nigerians have the constitutional right to film police officers carrying out public duties.
The officer explained that his comments were made out of frustration over operational distractions faced by armed officers during assignments. He also spoke about the challenges within the police force, including welfare concerns and the trauma of previously surviving a gunshot injury.
Despite the apology, many Nigerians maintained that the statement was dangerous and should not be ignored because of the implications it carries in a country where cases of police brutality have remained a sensitive issue.
The Nigeria Police Force has since confirmed that administrative steps are already being taken regarding the incident. Authorities, however, have yet to publicly disclose the exact nature of the disciplinary measures.
