The Nigeria Police Force has invited Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Moshood Jimoh for questioning over allegations arising from the investigation into a twin murder case in Lagos State. Additionally, social media activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been asked to substantiate claims he has made publicly regarding the case.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), disclosed that the criminal case at the centre of the controversy has already been investigated and is now before a competent court, following legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The police emphasised that the matter is sub judice and should be determined by the courts rather than through public campaigns or social media commentary.
Police Statement on Sub Judice and Media Trial
“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 police spokesperson stated. This comes amid mounting public and social media pressure over the handling of the case.
The controversy stems from the police investigation into the killing of youth leader Sheriff Salami in April 2023 and the killing of Ademola Akinloye, the son of an Ajiran traditional ruler, in August 2024. Following the investigation, Hammed Akanbi, a businessman, was declared wanted, arrested by INTERPOL in Benin Republic in April, and repatriated to Nigeria to face prosecution.
VDM's Allegations and Akanbi's Legal Challenge
VDM has publicly challenged the investigation, alleging that Mr Akanbi was wrongly implicated and that investigators manipulated evidence to portray him as the mastermind of the killings. He has also challenged Mr Jimoh to produce the original statements of certain suspects, arguing that they did not initially implicate Mr Akanbi.
Separately, Mr Akanbi’s legal team petitioned the Police Service Commission, accusing Mr Jimoh of abuse of office, criminal defamation, conducting a media trial, and violating their client’s constitutional right to the presumption of innocence. At the time of the incidents, Mr Jimoh was the Commissioner of Police in Lagos; he now heads Zone 2, a police zonal command overseeing Lagos and Ogun states.
Police Deny Allegations, Affirm Due Process
The police have denied the allegations, maintaining that the investigation followed due process, relied on witness testimonies and other evidence, and proceeded to prosecution after the DPP advised that charges be filed. However, the allegations against Mr Jimoh have not been established by any court or disciplinary authority.
The police said the AIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) had invited Mr Jimoh for questioning in connection with the allegations, while the FCID in Abuja, on 30 July, formally invited VDM to appear and substantiate the claims he has made in the public domain.
Commitment to Accountability
“These steps reflect the Force’s standing commitment to investigate all credible allegations of misconduct, regardless of the rank of the officer involved or the public profile of the complainant,” the spokesperson added. The police reaffirmed that while Nigerians have the constitutional right to demand accountability from public institutions, allegations against officers must be investigated through established procedures.
“Allegations must be formally submitted, investigated, and objectively assessed,” the police spokesperson stated. “Any officer found culpable following investigation will face sanction in accordance with the law.” He further added, “Equally, where allegations are established to be false and calculated to damage the reputation of an officer or the institution, the Force reserves the right to pursue appropriate legal remedies.”
Next Steps for VDM and the Public
The police urged VDM to honour the invitation extended to him and allow both the administrative review and the criminal proceedings to run their lawful course. The case remains a focal point for discussions on police accountability and the role of social media in high-profile investigations.
