Nyesom Wike has denied threatening Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye, insisting that his earlier comment was only figurative and taken out of context.

Speaking in Abuja, the minister explained that his remark during a previous media session was made out of frustration and was never intended as a literal threat. He said his words had been misinterpreted by the public and amplified beyond their original meaning.

The controversy followed a statement Wike made during a press interaction, where he reacted strongly to Okinbaloye’s analysis on a programme. His comment about wanting to “break the screen” and “shoot” the presenter sparked backlash across media and civil society.

Wike maintained that the expression was rhetorical, stressing that he was only conveying anger over what he considered unfair commentary, not issuing any form of intimidation.

Meanwhile, Okinbaloye has pushed back, stating that he would not be intimidated, while groups such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Amnesty International have criticised the remark and called for an apology.