The Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, has defended his controversial social media remark directed at activist Rinu Oduala, insisting that his statement was misconstrued and given a sexual interpretation by the activist.
Edafe faced backlash after responding to Oduala on X (formerly Twitter) with a comment many users described as inappropriate. The exchange followed public outrage over viral videos showing women allegedly assaulted during a festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
Speaking during an interview on News Central, Edafe maintained that his remark was not intended to be sexual.
“It is quite unfortunate that people have focused only on my response without addressing what Rinu initially said to me,” he said. “Her comment was clearly insulting, but my reply was not. It was only interpreted in a sexual way by her.”
He added, “I never made a sexual statement. The words are there for everyone to see. If she chooses to attach a different meaning to it, that is her opinion.”
The police spokesperson further alleged that Oduala’s earlier comment toward him was offensive, stressing that public criticism had been one-sided.
“It is unfair that no one is questioning her statement. She insulted me, yet all the attention is on my response,” he said.
Edafe also explained that he deleted the controversial post in response to public reactions, not because he admitted wrongdoing.
“As a public institution, we are accountable to Nigerians. If people feel a statement is inappropriate, we can take it down. That was why I deleted it,” he said.
“But I do not owe her any personal explanation. She should also be held accountable for what she said.”
The exchange began after Edafe issued a statement condemning the alleged assault captured in viral videos and announcing that an investigation had been ordered by the Commissioner of Police.
Reacting, Oduala criticised the police response, accusing authorities of acting slowly in making arrests.
Edafe’s now-deleted reply to her read, “Whenever I issue a statement, it turns you on. Why, if I may ask?”
The comment sparked widespread reactions online, with many condemning it as insensitive, especially given the seriousness of the incident under discussion.
