ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Police officer Newton Isokpehi, who sparked public outrage after threatening to shoot anyone caught filming him while on duty, has apologised to Nigerians, saying his comments were made in frustration and anger.
The apology came after a viral video of the officer circulated widely on social media, triggering criticism and calls for disciplinary action within the Nigeria Police Force.
In a video posted on his TikTok page on Thursday, Isokpehi addressed the controversy and pleaded for forgiveness from Nigerians as well as human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who initially shared the clip online.
“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, the officer insisted that his statement had been misunderstood, clarifying that he was not against citizens filming police officers.
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“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 said.
Isokpehi, who said he is from Edo State and grew up in a police barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a committed officer who has served in the Mobile Police for 12 years.
He said his dedication to duty had been consistent over the years, adding that many people who know him could attest to his character.
“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 a more emotional part of his apology, the officer displayed what he described as bullet wounds sustained during active service.
“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.
“We have suffered in this work. So it was out of annoyance. We don’t even like complaining,” he added.
Isokpehi also attempted to withdraw the 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.
Directing further apologies to Gwamnishu and Nigerians, he said the backlash had gone beyond what he expected.
“Harrison, forgive me. I beg the whole of Nigeria, please forgive me. This one has reached too far,” he said, adding that anyone who wanted to know him personally could meet him in person.
He expressed hope that conditions for police officers would improve under the current Inspector General of Police, saying officers remained committed to serving the country despite challenges.