I will clear everybody down — ASP threatens to shoot Nigerians videoing police officers

An Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Newton Isokpehi, has faced public criticism after a now-deleted TikTok video surfaced online in which he threatened Nigerians against recording police officers while on duty.

In the video, which has been widely circulated, the officer warned that he would shoot anyone caught filming him during operations, a statement that sparked outrage across social media and among human rights advocates.

He was quoted as saying that anyone who records him during duty would “provide the officer who gave them the order,” adding that he would “clear everybody down,” comments many Nigerians described as unlawful and dangerous.

The remarks triggered widespread condemnation, with human rights activists and members of the public calling on the police authorities to take disciplinary action against him.

Following the backlash, ASP Isokpehi issued an apology, acknowledging that citizens have the constitutional right to record police officers while performing their duties in public spaces.

He explained that his earlier comments were made out of frustration over operational distractions faced by officers and cited personal experiences, including surviving a gunshot wound and challenges related to police welfare.

The Nigeria Police Force has also confirmed that administrative measures are being taken in response to the incident.