I will clear everybody down — ASP threatens to shoot Nigerians videoing police officers
An Assistant Superintendent of Police, Newton Isokpehi, faced significant backlash after a now-deleted TikTok video depicted him making threats against Nigerians who film police officers during duty.
In the video, which attracted widespread attention, Isokpehi stated, “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.”
His comments have drawn condemnation from both the public and media commentators, many of whom characterized the statements as alarming and unlawful. Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu also criticized the remarks, calling for disciplinary measures against Isokpehi, while numerous Nigerians urged police authorities to take action.
In response to the outcry, Isokpehi issued an apology, acknowledging that citizens possess the constitutional right to record police officers performing their public duties. He attributed his remarks to frustration stemming from distractions faced by armed officers during operations and cited personal challenges, including surviving a bullet wound and struggling with inadequate working conditions.
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that administrative actions are being undertaken in light of this incident.
