A Nigerian police officer has sparked widespread outrage after a viral video showed him threatening to kill civilians who record him while on duty. The officer, identified as Newton Isokpehi, has since issued an apology, stating that his comments were made in anger and not meant to be taken literally.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The video, which circulated on social media on Thursday, May 21, captured Isokpehi speaking angrily in Pidgin English. He claimed to have spent 26 years in the police force and expressed frustration over the daily suffering officers endure. In the clip, he warned the public not to point cameras at him during operations.
“Any day I’m on duty as a police officer, carrying my rifle and doing my job, let somebody come and video me,” he said. He also threatened violence against civilians and any senior officer who authorized filming of policemen on duty. “If anyone is bold enough, just bring your camera… I will clear everybody down, the whole bus, everybody around,” he added.
Officer Cites Injuries and Ongoing Struggles
Isokpehi further claimed that years of service had left him with gunshot wounds and scars across his body. In the video, he pointed at his arm and described one injury as a bullet wound received in the line of duty. He lamented that police officers continue to suffer despite risking their lives for the country, using the phrase “Monkey dey work, baboon dey chop” to express his frustration.
Despite his anger, Isokpehi acknowledged efforts by the current Inspector General of Police to clear unpaid insurance and death benefits owed to officers and families of deceased policemen. The controversial video was later deleted from his TikTok account, which bore the username @actor459.
Officer Apologizes, Says Words Spoken in Anger
In a subsequent video on his TikTok account, Isokpehi tendered an apology over his earlier comments. He admitted that his words were spoken out of anger and not intended literally. He also briefly spoke about his personal background and roots during the recording. “I don't mean it like that, but just because of annoyance. Make una forgive me,” he said.
Police Investigate Erratic Officer in Ekiti
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has launched disciplinary proceedings against a sergeant attached to the Ikole-Ekiti Divisional Headquarters after a separate viral video showed him acting unprofessionally and erratically. The footage prompted swift intervention from police authorities. The officer was taken into custody, and the Ekiti State Police Command assumed control of the case.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct and public accountability in Nigeria.
