‘I Was Angry’ — Police Officer Who Threatened Nigerians Over Filming Apologises
Officer Newton Isokpehi retracts viral threat, says comments were made out of frustration as he begs Nigerians and activist for forgiveness.
Police officer Newton Isokpehi has apologised after a viral video showed him threatening to shoot people filming him on duty, saying his comments were made out of anger and were not intended to harm Nigerians.
Police officer Newton Isokpehi, who recently sparked public outrage after threatening to shoot anyone filming him while on duty, has apologised to Nigerians, saying his remarks were made in anger and frustration.
In a video shared on his TikTok page on Thursday, Isokpehi addressed the backlash from his earlier comments and pleaded for forgiveness from the public as well as rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who circulated the viral clip.
He said:
“Please forgive me. If I offended you as a brother, forgive me. That statement was just out of annoyance because of the things that are happening. These things are painful,” he said.
He further clarified that his comments were misinterpreted and insisted he was not against citizens recording police officers.
“Actually, you can video us. You are allowed to video a policeman. But it’s not right for just anybody to come from anywhere and start videoing officers on duty. They have taken it too far,” he stated.
The officer, who said he is from Edo State and grew up in a police barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a long-serving and committed officer.
“Anywhere people ask about me, people will testify to my character. I have worked in the Mobile Police for 12 years. I have worked for my fatherland with all my heart,” he said.
He also showed injuries he claimed were sustained during operations.
“Look at my body, these are all bullets. These are all gunshot wounds. See my chest, bullet has eaten into it. Out of 17 of us, only two survived that operation,” he said.
He added:
“We have suffered in this work. So it was out of annoyance. We don’t even like complaining,” he added.
On his earlier threat, he attempted to clarify his intention.
“How can I be saying I will kill my own people? We don’t do that. I spoke out of annoyance. That one was just verbal talk,” he said.
“Harrison, forgive me. I beg the whole of Nigeria, please forgive me. This one has reached too far. If you want to know me, come and meet me one-on-one. You will know me personally. I will not run. I will not surrender,” he said.
He also expressed hope for improved welfare for officers under the current leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We have decided that we will die for our fatherland. One day, things will surely get better by the grace of God. One love to the world,” he added.
The apology comes less than 24 hours after a video of him threatening to “clear everybody down,” including bystanders near anyone filming him, went viral across social media platforms, triggering widespread criticism and calls for disciplinary action.
