Police Officer Who Threatened To Shoot Civilians Filming Him Apologises
Newton Isokpehi, a police officer whose viral video sparked nationwide outrage after he threatened to “shoot dead” anyone who records him while on duty, has issued a public apology, blaming frustration for his earlier outburst and attempting to clarify his remarks.
The officer came under heavy criticism after a video surfaced showing him threatening to shoot not only anyone filming him during operations but also innocent passengers in a commercial bus where the recording took place.
The footage showed him, dressed in mufti and speaking in Pidgin English, warning citizens against recording police officers during operations and insisting that anyone who filmed him would face deadly consequences.
He also criticised senior police authorities for encouraging civilians to record officers on duty, saying such directives could lead to the deaths of those who attempt to film policemen.
He further questioned why civilians often record police officers but avoid filming soldiers or operatives of the Department of State Services.
In a follow-up video posted on Thursday on his TikTok page, Isokpehi directly addressed activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who had shared the initial footage that triggered widespread condemnation.
“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 later attempted to soften his earlier remarks, insisting he did not oppose 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.”
Isokpehi, who said he is originally from Edo State and grew up in military barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a long-serving officer in the Mobile Police Force.
“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 also displayed what he claimed were gunshot injuries sustained during active service, saying his experience in operations had left him with lasting physical wounds.
“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,”
The officer maintained that his earlier threat was not literal, describing it as an emotional reaction made in frustration.
“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 then made a direct appeal to both Harrison Gwamnishu and the Nigerian public, acknowledging the backlash generated by the viral video.
“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 concluded by expressing solidarity with fellow officers and calling for improved welfare within the Nigeria Police Force.
“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,”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
