The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the commencement of an internal investigation into corruption allegations levelled against the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2 Command, Lagos,Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, by controversial social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), stressing that the outcome of the probe will be determined strictly by due process rather than public pressure.
The allegations stem from claims made by VeryDarkMan in a series of social media posts and videos in which he accused the senior police officer of compromising the investigation into the high-profile Ajiran double-murder case in Lagos. The activist challenged the AIG to institute criminal defamation proceedings if the allegations were false, while maintaining that he possessed information to support his claims.
Responding to the controversy, the Force Headquarters said the Nigeria Police remains committed to accountability but would only discipline any officer after investigations conducted in line with established legal and administrative procedures.
In a statement, the Force explained that disciplinary proceedings involving police personnel are regulated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Police Act 2020, the Police Regulations, Force Orders and other extant administrative guidelines.
“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.
“However, freedom of expression does not extend to defamation or the propagation of unsubstantiated allegations aimed at forcing disciplinary outcomes outside the bounds of due process,” the statement said.
The police reiterated that no officer enjoys immunity from investigation or disciplinary action, assuring Nigerians that any officer found culpable after the ongoing probe would face sanctions in accordance with the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency, professionalism and accountability. No officer is above the law, and no genuine complaint is ignored. However, disciplinary measures can only follow lawful investigation and established procedures,” the statement added.
At the same time, the Force warned that individuals who deliberately make false or malicious allegations intended to tarnish the reputation of police officers or undermine public confidence in the institution could face legal consequences where such claims are proven to be defamatory or knowingly false.
The Force Headquarters also urged VeryDarkMan to honour an invitation earlier extended to him by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), noting that his cooperation would enable investigators to examine his allegations alongside issues already before the courts.
According to the police, the activist’s appearance before investigators would provide an opportunity for him to present any documentary or other credible evidence in support of the allegations.
The controversy has generated widespread public debate, with several civil society organisations and stakeholders taking differing positions on the matter. While some groups have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations, others have publicly defended AIG Jimoh, arguing that the accusations remain unsubstantiated and urging the public to allow the investigative process to run its course.
Official records and documents cited in subsequent media reports have also been presented by supporters of the AIG as evidence disputing claims that he improperly handled aspects of the Ajiran murder investigation. Those reports maintain that the investigation followed petitions and directives issued through official police channels, although the Police Force has maintained that its internal investigation remains the appropriate avenue for determining the facts surrounding the allegations.
The latest development underscores the growing intersection between social media activism and public accountability in Nigeria, where allegations against public officials increasingly gain traction online before formal investigations are concluded.
For the Nigeria Police Force, however, the position remains unequivocal: while citizens are encouraged to report misconduct and demand accountability, disciplinary decisions will be based on verified evidence, lawful investigations and established institutional procedures—not trial by social media.
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