Police Officer Newton Isokpehi Apologizes for Threatening to Shoot Nigerians

A police officer, Newton Isokpehi, has sparked outrage online after threatening to shoot anyone who films him while on duty. In a video that circulated on social media, Isokpehi said he would 'clear everybody down' if anyone tries to film him.

But in a new video posted on his TikTok page, Isokpehi apologized for his earlier comments, saying they were made out of frustration and anger. He said, '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 didn't mean to offend anyone, and he's truly sorry for his words.

Isokpehi, who is from Edo State and was raised in a police barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a committed officer who has dedicated years to serving the country. He said, 'Anywhere people ask about me, people will testify to my character. I have worked in the Mobile Police for 12 years.' He's worked for his fatherland with all his heart, and he's proud of his service.

He said, 'I have worked for my fatherland with all my heart.' Isokpehi won't deny that he said some hurtful things, but he didn't mean them. He said, '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,' Isokpehi said. He's a police officer, and he knows he shouldn't say things like that.

As part of his emotional appeal, Isokpehi displayed several gunshot wounds on his body, saying they were sustained during active operations. 'Look at my body, these are all bullets. These are all gunshot wounds.' He showed the wounds on his chest, saying 'See my chest, bullet has eaten into it.' He didn't survive those operations unscathed. Out of 17 of them, only two survived that operation, and Isokpehi is one of the lucky ones.

The apology comes barely 24 hours after the video of Isokpehi threatening to shoot Nigerians circulated widely on social media, triggering criticism and calls for disciplinary action. The Nigeria Police Force hasn't issued an official statement on the matter yet. They're still deciding how to respond to the incident.

Isokpehi's apology is a rare move by a police officer in Nigeria, where citizens have long complained of police brutality and harassment. The incident highlights the need for police reform and accountability in the country. It's not easy for police officers to admit when they're wrong, but Isokpehi is trying to make things right.

Isokpehi directly appealed to rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who shared the viral clip, and Nigerians, saying, 'Harrison, forgive me. I beg the whole of Nigeria, please forgive me.' He knows he said some things he can't take back, but he's hoping people will give him another chance. He said, 'This one has reached too far. If you want to know me, come and meet me one-on-one. You will know me personally.' He won't run or hide; he's willing to face the consequences of his actions.

He said, 'I will not run. I will not surrender.' The police officer also expressed hope that conditions for police officers would improve under the current Inspector General of Police. He's hoping for a better future for himself and his colleagues. He said, 'We have decided that we will die for our fatherland. One day, things will surely get better by the grace of God.' He's staying positive, and he's looking forward to a brighter future.

He added, 'One love to the world,' and he means it. He's not just saying it to sound good; he's genuinely hoping for a more peaceful world.

The incident has sparked a debate about police-citizen relations in Nigeria, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency within the police force. As the country continues to grapple with issues of insecurity and corruption, the need for effective policing and community engagement has never been more pressing. It's a complex issue, and there aren't any easy solutions.

In a country where police officers are often seen as being above the law, Isokpehi's apology is a significant development because it shows that police officers can be held accountable for their actions. It's a step in the right direction, and it could help to rebuild trust between the police and the community. This apology is significant because it's a rare instance of a police officer taking responsibility for their actions.

As Isokpehi's case continues to unfold, the Nigeria Police Force will have to respond to the incident and decide what measures to take to address the underlying issues that led to his outburst. The police force can't ignore the incident; they have to take action. The relationship between the police and citizens in Nigeria needs to improve, and incidents like this highlight the need for urgent reform. The country can't afford to wait; it's time for change.