VIDEO: “I’ll kill anyone recording me” — Police officer sparks reactions online (watch video)

A video showing a man identified as Newton Isokpehi threatening to kill Nigerians who attempt to record him while on duty has sparked widespread outrage on social media.

The viral clip, which lasted less than three minutes, captured the man, who claimed to be a police officer, warning members of the public against making video recordings of officers during operations or encounters.

In the video circulating across several social media platforms, Isokpehi openly criticised directives previously issued by senior police authorities encouraging Nigerians to document police activities as part of efforts to promote accountability and professionalism within the force.

According to him, the police authority that advised citizens to record officers while carrying out official duties was wrong.

The man further issued stern warnings against anyone attempting to film him, making comments that many social media users described as disturbing and threatening.

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The video quickly generated reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the implications of such statements, particularly amid ongoing conversations around police accountability, human rights, and public trust in security agencies.

Several users on social media called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the authenticity of the claims made in the video and clarify whether the individual involved is truly a serving police officer.

Others argued that citizens have the constitutional right to document public officials performing duties in public spaces, especially in situations involving law enforcement interactions.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of repeated efforts by police authorities in recent years to improve transparency and public confidence following widespread criticism of police misconduct and abuse.

Senior police officials had previously encouraged Nigerians to use lawful recordings as evidence in cases involving alleged extortion, harassment, or unprofessional conduct by officers.

Human rights advocates reacting to the viral clip warned that threats against citizens attempting to document public conduct by security personnel could undermine accountability efforts and deepen distrust between law enforcement agencies and the public.

Some legal practitioners also noted that while recordings should not obstruct police operations, members of the public are generally permitted to film officers carrying out duties in public places, provided such actions do not interfere with security activities.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement regarding the viral video or the identity of the individual involved.