Newton Isokpehi, the police officer who drew backlash online after threatening to shoot anyone caught recording him while on duty, has apologised to Nigerians, explaining that his comments were made in frustration.
In a video shared on his TikTok page Thursday, the officer reacted to the controversy surrounding his earlier remarks and appealed for forgiveness from Nigerians and rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who reposted the viral clip.
“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.
Speaking in Pidgin English, Isokpehi maintained that his comments had been misinterpreted, stressing that he was not opposed to citizens filming 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 hails from Edo State and grew up in a police barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a dedicated policeman who has spent years serving the nation.
“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.
As part of his appeal, Isokpehi displayed multiple gunshot scars on his body, claiming they 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.
“We have suffered in this work. So it was out of annoyance. We don’t even like complaining,” he added.
The policeman also attempted to clarify his earlier threat, insisting he never intended to harm civilians.
“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.
Appealing directly to Gwamnishu and Nigerians, Isokpehi admitted the backlash had become more serious than he anticipated.
“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 ended by expressing optimism that conditions for police officers would improve under the current Inspector General of Police.
“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 came less than 24 hours after a video showing the officer threatening to “clear everybody down,” including bystanders near anyone filming him, spread widely on X and Instagram, sparking outrage and calls for disciplinary action.
As of the time this report was filed, the Nigeria Police Force had not released any official statement regarding the incident.
