“Please forgive me” — Police officer who threatened to kill anyone videoing him on duty apologises
A Nigerian police officer, Newton Isokpehi, has publicly apologised after a viral video showed him threatening to shoot anyone caught filming him while carrying out official duties.
The officer, whose remarks sparked outrage across social media platforms, addressed Nigerians in a fresh TikTok video on Thursday, claiming the controversial statement was made in frustration and not intended as a genuine threat.
Isokpehi also appealed directly to rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who circulated the original clip online, asking for forgiveness over the incident.
“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.
While speaking partly in Pidgin English, the officer explained that he does not oppose citizens recording police officers in public. However, he argued that some individuals had become excessive in the way they film officers on duty.
“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.
Officer Speaks About Years In Service
The policeman revealed that he hails from Edo State and grew up in a police barracks in Kaduna. According to him, he has spent over a decade serving in the Mobile Police unit.
“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 during the video, Isokpehi displayed scars and gunshot wounds he claimed were sustained during operations while serving the country.
“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.
Officer Denies Intention To Harm Civilians
Attempting to soften the impact of his earlier comments, the officer insisted he never intended to attack civilians or members of the public.
“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 explained.
He further appealed to Nigerians to judge him based on his personal conduct rather than the viral video, saying the backlash had become overwhelming.
“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. You will know me personally. I will not run. I will not surrender,” he said.
The officer also expressed optimism that welfare and working conditions for police personnel would improve under the current leadership of 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,” he added.
Viral Threat Triggered Public Backlash
The apology surfaced less than 24 hours after a video circulated widely on X and Instagram showing the officer threatening to “clear everybody down,” including bystanders around anyone filming him.
The clip generated widespread criticism online, with several Nigerians demanding disciplinary action against the officer.
Watch the video here…
“Please forgive me”
~ P𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐤!𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 pic.twitter.com/rjSlbYdUvF
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) May 21, 2026