Newton Isokpehi, the police officer who sparked widespread outrage after threatening to “shoot dead” anyone who records him while on duty, has publicly apologised to Nigerians, blaming frustration and emotional stress for his controversial remarks.
The officer came under heavy criticism after a viral video surfaced online showing him angrily warning citizens against filming police officers during operations.
In the footage, Isokpehi, dressed in mufti and speaking in Pidgin English, threatened not only the person recording him but also innocent passengers inside the commercial bus where the video was captured.
He had also criticised senior police authorities who encouraged citizens to record police conduct, insisting that those officials would be responsible for burying anyone who attempts to film policemen on duty.
The video triggered widespread condemnation across social media, with many Nigerians accusing the officer of intimidation, abuse of power and issuing unlawful death threats against civilians.
However, in a fresh video posted on his TikTok page on Thursday, Isokpehi appealed for forgiveness, insisting that his earlier comments were made out of anger and frustration.
Addressing activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who circulated the original clip, the officer pleaded with Nigerians not to judge him solely based on the viral video.
“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.
The officer also attempted to clarify his position, acknowledging that citizens have the right to record police officers.
“Actually, you can video us. You are allowed to video a policeman,” he stated.
He, however, argued that some people had taken the practice too far.
“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 added.
Isokpehi further described himself as a committed officer who had spent over a decade serving in the Mobile Police Force under difficult and dangerous conditions.
According to him, years of combat operations and exposure to violence had left him physically and emotionally scarred.
“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.
In an emotional moment, the officer displayed what he claimed were bullet wounds 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 claimed.
He insisted that his earlier threat was not meant literally.
“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.
The officer concluded by appealing once more to Nigerians for forgiveness while expressing hope for improved welfare conditions for police officers.
“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,” he said.
“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.
