‘I Spoke Out of Anger’ — Police Officer Who Threatened Nigerians Over Filming Begs for Forgiveness

Newton Isokpehi, the police officer who triggered outrage online after threatening to shoot anyone caught filming him while on duty, has apologised to Nigerians, saying his comments were made out of frustration.

In a video shared on his TikTok page on Thursday, the officer pleaded 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 clarified that he was not against citizens recording police officers, adding that his earlier comments were misunderstood.

“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 was raised in a police barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a dedicated officer who has spent years serving Nigeria.

“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 emotional appeal, Isokpehi displayed several gunshot wounds 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.