Relief International Africa has condemned a viral video showing a police officer, identified as ASP Newton Isokpehi, allegedly threatening members of the public, and has called for an immediate investigation into the incident.
In a press release issued and signed by Green Isaac on behalf of the organisation, on Thursday, 21 May 2026, the officer’s conduct was described as “unacceptable, dangerous, and a direct threat to citizens’ rights. A police officer who openly threatens to kill members of the public for recording security operations has acted in a manner that terrifies the very citizens he swore under oath to protect”.
The organisation warns that such behaviour is unprofessional, unlawful, and unbecoming of any law enforcement officer.
According to the group, such behaviour undermines public trust and contradicts the core responsibility of law enforcement officers to protect lives and property. It further expressed concern over the officer’s reported defiance of directives that permit citizens to record police activities in public spaces.
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Relief International Africa called on the Nigerian Police Force to immediately arrest, disarm, and subject the Officer to a full disciplinary, psychological, and criminal investigation. Stressing that access to firearms must be suspended until he is certified fit to serve.
The organisation also highlighted the officers’ complaints about poor welfare conditions within the police force, including low salaries, inadequate housing, insufficient uniforms, and injuries sustained during nearly 26 years of service. While acknowledging these concerns, it maintained that they do not justify threats against civilians.
The group urged the government to improve the welfare, insurance, housing, retraining, psychological support, and working conditions of police officers. Adding that neglecting officers who carry arms and face high-risk duties can lead to frustration, abuse, corruption, and dangerous misconduct.
Relief International Africa called on the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Assembly, and the Federal Government to treat the matter as both a disciplinary issue and a broader signal of systemic challenges within the country’s security framework.
“Citizens must not live in fear of those paid to protect them,” the statement concluded.
