Nigerian Police Officer Apologizes for Threatening to Shoot Those Filming Him

In a candid display of remorse, Nigerian police officer Newton Isokpehi has issued a public apology for his viral threat to shoot individuals filming him on duty. The officer, whose initial remarks sparked widespread condemnation, explained that his outburst stemmed from frustration and the immense pressures faced by law enforcement officers in the country. He sought forgiveness from rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu and the Nigerian public, emphasizing that his words did not reflect his true intentions or his dedication to service.

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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.

Isokpehi clarified that he does not fundamentally oppose the public's right to film police officers. Instead, he expressed concern about the manner and context in which such filming occurs, suggesting that it can sometimes be intrusive or excessive. He recounted his 12 years of service in the Mobile Police, highlighting the sacrifices and dangers involved, including sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. He presented these injuries as evidence of the toll his service has taken, seeking to foster understanding rather than condemnation.

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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.

Appealing directly to Harrison Gwamnishu, who had amplified his earlier threat, Isokpehi pleaded for leniency and understanding. He acknowledged that his video had gained significant traction and expressed a desire for personal interaction to demonstrate his character. The officer concluded with a message of hope, expressing his belief that conditions for police officers will improve under the current Inspector General of Police and reaffirming his commitment to serving his fatherland. This incident underscores the complex relationship between the public and the police in Nigeria, highlighting issues of accountability, transparency, and the personal challenges faced by officers on the front lines.

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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. We have suffered in this work. So it was out of annoyance. We don’t even like complaining.