NIGERIA: Police Summon VeryDarkMan Over Allegations Against Zone 2 AIG

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to appear before the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja over allegations he made against the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Lagos, AIG Moshood Jimoh.

The Force said the invitation forms part of its internal process to investigate the claims raised by the influencer, adding that AIG Jimoh has also been invited for questioning as part of the administrative review.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.

According to the statement, the criminal case referenced by VeryDarkMan had already been investigated and is currently before a court of competent jurisdiction following legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

The Police stressed that because the matter is already before the court, it would not discuss its merits publicly or allow public opinion to influence the judicial process.

“The criminal matter referenced in public commentary was investigated and is now before a court of competent jurisdiction, following the advice of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). As the matter is subjudice, its adjudication rests solely with the judiciary. 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 Force further disclosed that on July 30, 2026, the FCID formally invited VeryDarkMan to appear in Abuja and provide evidence to support the allegations he made publicly.

It noted that the same accountability process also required AIG Jimoh to answer questions regarding the allegations.

“Separately, and in line with its internal accountability mechanisms, the Force confirms that the Assistant Inspector-General, Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID), has invited AIG in charge of Zone 2, AIG Moshood Jimoh, for questioning in connection with the allegations raised.”

The Police maintained that all allegations against its personnel are handled through established disciplinary procedures and that no officer is above the law, regardless of rank.

The statement also reaffirmed citizens’ constitutional right to criticise public institutions but warned that allegations must be backed by evidence and investigated through the appropriate channels.

“The Force affirms the constitutional right of every Nigerian to freedom of expression and to demand accountability from public institutions; constructive criticism remains vital to democratic policing. That said, freedom of expression does not extend to defamation or the amplification of unsubstantiated allegations as a means of compelling disciplinary outcomes outside due process.”

The Force urged VeryDarkMan to honour the invitation extended to him by the FCID and cooperate with investigators while allowing the judicial process in the criminal matter to run its course.

“The Nigeria Police Force urges Mr. Otse to honour the invitation extended by the Force CID, engage with the ongoing administrative review in good faith, and allow the judicial process governing the separate criminal matter to run its course.”

Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and accountability, the Police stated that genuine complaints against officers would always be investigated, while any officer found culpable would face sanctions in accordance with the law. It added that where allegations are proven to be false and intended to damage the reputation of officers or the institution, appropriate legal action may also be taken.