The Ndigbo Young Professionals (NYP) has expressed deep disappointment over recent remarks made by the former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Barrister Adewole Adebayo, concerning the arrest of activist Omoyele Sowore and the controversial commentary surrounding a female police officer involved in the case.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ambassador Chukwuemeka Chinonso, the group condemned what it described as Adebayo’s “reckless alignment” with Sowore’s “antics” and his failure to defend a police officer who was merely performing her constitutional duty.
NYP described Adebayo’s comments as a “grave moral and professional misjudgement,” stating that his public stance, laden with bias and misleading insinuations, falls short of the ethical expectations of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a former presidential hopeful.
“It is disheartening that a person of Barrister Adebayo’s stature would tacitly support the public defamation of a female law enforcement officer, all in the name of political loyalty or cheap popularity,” the statement read.
The group emphasised that such attacks were not only unjust but also harmful to the dignity of women serving in Nigeria’s security forces. “This is not just a slight on her person but an affront to every hard-working woman in uniform across Nigeria,” it added.
Reaffirming its support for professionalism and lawful conduct, NYP called on all aggrieved parties, including Sowore, to seek redress through legal channels rather than engaging in “media theatrics or character assassination”.
The statement further urged Barrister Adebayo to publicly denounce the defamation of the officer in question. “His silence on this targeted verbal assault sends a dangerous message and undermines the values of fairness and justice he claims to uphold,” the group warned.
According to NYP, the Nigeria Police Force under the current leadership has maintained a strong stance on accountability and professionalism, noting that while no officer is above the law, none should be subjected to unwarranted public shaming for carrying out their duties.
The group concluded by urging public figures, especially those in the legal and political space, to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public engagements.
