The Delta State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, is facing public backlash after making a sexually suggestive remark in response to rights activist Rinu Oduala, popularly known as Savvy Rinu, on social media.
The controversy erupted hours after videos emerged showing women being chased, stripped, and molested during a festival in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State, sparking nationwide condemnation.
Edafe initially addressed the incident on X on Friday, describing it as “alarming, disgusting and embarrassing,” and assuring that the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, had ordered an investigation.
The statement called for calm and appealed to witnesses to provide information that could aid the probe.
However, Rinu, who gained national recognition as a coordinator of the #EndSARS protests in 2020, criticised the police response as inadequate.
She wrote, “You are still waiting to assure instead of already arresting people. If it’s to do video warning against protest now, we will see you fast! Bright wey no bright.”
In a reply that quickly went viral, Edafe wrote, “Whenever I issue a statement, it turns you on. Why if I may ask?” The comment was widely interpreted as a sexual innuendo, prompting sharp criticism from Nigerians online.
Social media users condemned the remark as unprofessional and insensitive. Sherry Rahaman wrote, “This response is not appropriate, especially given the sensitivity of the issue.
It reflects a lack of proper judgment and professionalism.” Morris Monye added, “A sexual assault is ongoing, and the police spokesperson responds with sexual innuendo? Unreal.”
Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Natacha Akide, known as Tacha, also reacted: “This is a reply from the public relations officer of the POLICE! These are the people we’re expected to report rape cases to? IT IS FINISHED.” Content creator Justin UG described the comment as “stupid and disgusting,” while Tolu Ayeni said Edafe “would be out of your job already if you were in a different country.”
The backlash comes amid ongoing investigations into the Ozoro festival assaults. PUNCH Online reports that five individuals, including the community head and chief organiser of the festival, have been arrested in connection with the attacks