Police Defend Due Process in VeryDarkMan Controversy, Invite AIG, Activist for Investigation
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reaffirmed its commitment to due process, institutional discipline and the rule of law, insisting that allegations involving the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Lagos, AIG Moshood Jimoh, and social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), will be handled strictly through established legal and administrative procedures.
The position was contained in a press statement issued by the Nigeria Police Force and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on August 4, 2026.
The Force disclosed that the criminal matter referenced by the activist had already been investigated and was currently before a court of competent jurisdiction following legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), stressing that the case was sub judice and could not be determined through media campaigns or public commentary.
At the same time, the Police confirmed that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) had invited AIG Moshood Jimoh for questioning as part of the Service’s internal accountability process over the allegations raised.
The statement also revealed that on July 30, 2026, the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, formally invited VeryDarkMan to appear before investigators to substantiate the allegations he had made publicly.
According to the Police, both actions demonstrate the institution’s resolve to investigate every credible allegation of misconduct, irrespective of the rank of the officer involved or the public profile of the complainant.
The Force explained that disciplinary matters are governed by the Constitution, the Police Act 2020, Police Regulations, Force Orders and other established administrative procedures, which apply equally to every police officer.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of Nigerians to freedom of expression and to demand accountability from public institutions, the Police warned against attempts to use social media campaigns to compel disciplinary actions outside legally recognised procedures.
“The Force will not try this case in the media, nor will it allow its outcome to be shaped by public campaigns or commentary seeking to prejudge the officers or parties involved,” the statement said.
The Police further stated that while every genuine complaint would be investigated thoroughly, any officer found culpable would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law. Conversely, it warned that where allegations are found to be false and deliberately intended to damage the reputation of officers or the institution, appropriate legal remedies may be pursued.
The Force urged VeryDarkMan to honour the invitation extended by the Force CID and cooperate fully with investigators, while allowing both the judicial proceedings and the administrative review to run their lawful course.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Nigeria Police Force maintained that no officer is above the law and no legitimate complaint would be ignored.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains an institution founded on law, discipline, and accountability. No officer is above the law, and no genuine complaint is ignored; nor will any officer be sanctioned outside the procedures the law prescribes,” the statement added.
The Force emphasized that grievances against police personnel should continue to be pursued through established complaint and oversight mechanisms, rather than through public campaigns aimed at influencing disciplinary outcomes.
