…Calls for Body Cameras and Accountability
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BY JUDE OSSAI / ENUGU
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The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned in its entirety the disturbing threat reportedly made by a Nigerian police officer, identified as Newton Isokpehi, who declared in a viral video that he would kill anyone who filmed him while on duty.
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A statement signed by Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director, RULAAC), made available to Daily News on Friday stated, “Although the officer has since apologised and attributed his outburst to frustration arising from poor welfare conditions and traumatic experiences in service, his comments remain deeply troubling, unacceptable, and incompatible with the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer in a democratic society.”
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Parts of the statement further read:
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“It is particularly shocking that despite the clear clarification by the Nigeria Police Force authorities, following a recent court judgment, that Nigerians have the constitutional right to record police officers performing their duties in public spaces, some officers still appear hostile to transparency and public accountability.
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“Citizens do not record police officers because they hate the police. They record police operations largely because of the history and persistence of police misconduct, brutality, extortion, torture, extrajudicial killings, and denial of justice for victims. Video recordings have become important tools for accountability, evidence preservation, and protection for both citizens and professional police officers against false allegations.
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“An officer who is uncomfortable with lawful public scrutiny while carrying firearms and exercising coercive powers raises legitimate concerns about what he may wish to conceal. The threats issued in the video could have resulted in tragic consequences if not for the public backlash and prompt attention generated online.
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“RULAAC acknowledges the officer’s references to poor welfare, operational trauma, inadequate support systems, and the sacrifices many police personnel endure in the course of duty. These are longstanding issues that require urgent attention from the Nigerian authorities. Police officers deserve decent welfare, insurance, psychological support, proper equipment, and humane working conditions. However, poor welfare or frustration can never justify threats against citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
“The incident further reinforces the urgent need for the deployment of body-worn cameras for police officers in Nigeria. Ideally, police officers on patrol and operational duties should wear body cameras as standard practice. Body cameras protect both citizens and officers, promote professionalism, discourage abuse, improve evidence gathering, and enhance public trust in policing.
“RULAAC therefore calls on the Nigeria Police Force to:
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1. Thoroughly investigate the incident and take appropriate disciplinary measures consistent with the Police Act, regulations, and human rights standards;
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2. Intensify training and sensitisation of officers on citizens’ rights, digital accountability, and lawful policing in a democratic society;
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3. Accelerate the adoption and deployment of body-worn cameras and other accountability mechanisms across police commands and formations;
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4. Improve police welfare, mental health support, insurance, compensation, and working conditions to address the frustrations and trauma faced by officers;
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5. Reassure Nigerians that no citizen will be threatened, harassed, assaulted, or killed for lawfully recording police activities in public spaces.
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“Democratic policing requires transparency, restraint, accountability, and respect for human rights. Public trust in the police cannot be built through intimidation or threats, but through professionalism, openness, and respect for the rule of law.
