Police Officer Behind Viral Threat Video Apologises, Says Remarks Were Made Out of Frustration
By Adesakin Adefemi
Newton Isokpehi, the police officer who sparked outrage after threatening to shoot anyone who recorded him on duty, has issued a public apology, saying his comments were made out of frustration and do not reflect his true intentions.
In a follow-up video posted on his TikTok page on Thursday, Isokpehi addressed rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu and the Nigerian public, pleading for forgiveness. He spoke in Pidgin English, explaining that his earlier remarks were a reaction to the challenges faced by officers on the job.
“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 clarified that he does not oppose members of the public filming police officers in principle. He said his concern was with indiscriminate filming that he felt had gone too far.
“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 explained.
Isokpehi, who said he is from Edo State and grew up in the barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a dedicated officer with 12 years of service in the Mobile Police. He stressed that his record speaks for itself.
“Anywhere people ask about me, people will testify to my character. I have worked for my fatherland with all my heart,” he stated.
In the video, he again displayed gunshot injuries on his body, saying they were evidence of the risks and sacrifices officers make. He recounted an operation where only two of 17 officers survived, adding that the toll of such experiences often leads to frustration.
On his earlier threat to “clear everybody down,” he was categorical that he did not mean it 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.
He appealed directly to Gwamnishu and Nigerians at large, saying the video had spread further than he expected. He expressed hope that conditions for police officers would improve under the current Inspector General of Police, ending with a message of goodwill.
“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 said. The Nigeria Police Force had not issued a statement on the matter as of press time.
