Drug Test Ordered as Anambra Police Discipline ASP Who Threatened to Kill Bystanders Filming Him

Drug Test Ordered as Anambra Police Discipline ASP Who Threatened to Kill Bystanders Filming Him

AWKA – The Anambra State Police Command has arrested and initiated internal disciplinary proceedings against Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Newton Isokpehi following a viral social media video in which he threatened to kill anyone filming him while on duty.

The command, in a press statement signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Ngozi Ezeabata, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, confirmed the officer’s identity on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

ASP Isokpehi, who is attached to the Anambra State Command, triggered widespread public outrage on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, after a video surfaced on TikTok and spread rapidly to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. In the clip, speaking directly to the camera in Pidgin English, he threatened to “clear everybody down” — including bystanders — if anyone attempted to record him while he carried out official duties. He also vowed that any superior officer who sanctioned the filming of police officers would be responsible for burying the citizens he threatened to kill. The video was later deleted from his TikTok page, but not before it had been viewed and shared thousands of times. Shortly afterward, Isokpehi posted a second video apologizing, describing his earlier remarks as having been made out of frustration.

According to the police statement, the command moved immediately upon sighting the video. “Following a prompt review of the video, the Command immediately identified and arrested the officer involved. The officer is an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Newton Isokpehi, serving in the Command,” the statement read. “In line with the disciplinary standards and ethical code of the Nigeria Police Force, internal disciplinary proceedings have since been activated against the officer.” Commissioner Orutugu strongly condemned the officer’s conduct, describing it as incompatible with the values of the force and a threat to public trust and confidence in the institution.

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In a significant development, the command disclosed that Isokpehi has been subjected to a drug test as part of efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. “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,” the statement added.

The arrest comes just two months after a landmark court judgment reaffirming the right of Nigerians to record police officers on duty. On March 17, 2026, the Federal High Court in Warri, in the case of Maxwell Nosakhare Uwaifo v. I.G.P. & Ors., Justice H.A. Nganjiwa ruled that citizens are constitutionally protected when recording police operations in public spaces. The court declared that such actions are covered under Chapter IV of the Nigerian Constitution and that officers must not interfere, confiscate devices, or retaliate against individuals filming them. The Anambra Police Command’s swift action against ASP Isokpehi appears to align with this judicial position. Police spokesperson Placid had earlier reiterated that recording police officers on duty is a “legitimate tool for public accountability” that should not attract harassment.

The Anambra State Police Command gave a firm assurance that the outcome of the disciplinary process will be made public. “The Command further assures Ndi Anambra and the general public that the outcome of the disciplinary process will be made public and that any officer found culpable will face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law and police regulations,” the statement read.

The command also used the opportunity to issue a direct reminder to its personnel. “The Command also uses this opportunity to remind officers and men of the Command to remain professional, emotionally balanced, and respectful while carrying out their lawful duties, especially in this era where actions and conduct are constantly subjected to public scrutiny,” it stated.

Commissioner Orutugu praised members of the public and civil society groups for their role in bringing the video to wider attention, describing their intervention as a contribution to police accountability. “The Command appreciates members of the public, civil society groups, and social media users who continue to assist the Police with credible information capable of improving service delivery and accountability,” the statement read. “Residents are encouraged to continue reporting incidents or behaviours capable of undermining public peace, safety, and confidence in security agencies.”

Drug Test Ordered as Anambra Police Discipline ASP Who Threatened to Kill Bystanders Filming Him