The Delta State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, has defended his controversial social media comment directed at activist Rinu Oduala, insisting that his statement was misinterpreted and “sexualised” by the activist.

Edafe came under criticism after replying to Oduala on X with a remark widely condemned as inappropriate, following outrage over videos showing women allegedly assaulted during a festival in Ozoro, Delta State.

Responding to the backlash in a recent interview on News Central, Edafe said his comment was not intended to be sexual, adding that the interpretation given to it was not his.

“It is well, but why I’m worried is that nobody is talking about what Rinu said to me, and it’s very sad because bullies too are human beings. Rinu’s statement to me was very clear. It was a very clear insulting statement. My statement was not insulting. My statement was only sexualised by Rinu

“Nobody is talking to her. Everybody is talking to me and it’s very, very sad because like I said, bullies too are human beings. It was Rinu who sexualised my statement. I never sexualised that statement,” he said.

The police spokesperson maintained that his original post contained no sexual connotation, insisting that the interpretation was subjective.

“I never made a sexual statement to her. The word is there for all to see what it means. If she sexualises it or she gives it her own meaning, well, she has the right to her own opinion,” he said.

Edafe also alleged that Oduala insulted him, stating that the focus of public criticism had been one-sided.

“However, the fact that she insulted me and nobody is talking to her at all is actually very sad,” he added.

On his decision to delete the tweet, Edafe said it was done in response to public reaction, not as an admission of wrongdoing.

“Obviously, we hold allegiance to Nigerians. If Nigerians believe that the statement was out of line, there’s nobody that cannot come back to them and say, okay, I think I need to take it down and that was why I did it. But for Rinu, I don’t owe her any explanation. She insulted me and she should also be asked questions,” he said.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Edafe’s comment was made in response to Oduala’s criticism of the police reaction to the Ozoro incident.

Reacting to the viral videos, Edafe had initially written, “This is alarming, disgusting and embarrassing. The CP has ordered an investigation into the incident. The command condemns this in totality, no custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens.”

Dissatisfied with the response, Oduala replied, “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.”

Edafe then responded with the now-deleted remark, “Whenever I issue a statement, it turns you on. Why if I may ask?”

The exchange has since sparked widespread reactions online, with many criticising the police spokesperson’s response as inappropriate, particularly given the gravity of the incident that prompted the conversation.