The Ndigbo Young Professionals have faulted the African Action Congress (AAC) Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over a statement in which he accused the Nigeria Police Force of failing the late Arise Television anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, during the armed robbery incident that claimed her life in Abuja.
In a press release signed by its National Coordinator, Ambassador Chukwuemeka Chinonso, on Tuesday, the group described Sowore’s remarks as reckless, insensitive, and a gross misrepresentation of facts.
The statement noted that Sowore’s claim that the police failed to respond promptly and allegedly cited a lack of fuel as an excuse was misleading. It clarified that no police officer ever made such a claim and that the same patrol vehicle conveyed officers to the crime scene.
“It is most unfortunate that Mr Sowore could trivialise the tragic death of Ms Maduagwu by carelessly shifting blame to the Nigeria Police Force without verified facts,” the statement read.
The group emphasized that the police had always intervened promptly when incidents were reported on time, stressing that officers could not “automatically detect crimes in progress without being informed.”
Ndigbo Young Professionals further urged Sowore and other public figures to desist from politicising tragedies and instead channel their influence toward supporting reforms that would strengthen security institutions.
“The family of the deceased deserves compassion and respect at this trying time, not needless controversy,” the statement concluded.
