The Nigeria Police Force has officially invited social critic Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and has begun questioning Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Moshood Jimoh over allegations raised by VDM concerning a murder case. The development was confirmed in a statement released by the Force spokesperson, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Formal Invitation and Questioning
According to the statement, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Abuja, has formally invited AIG Jimoh for questioning in connection with the allegations. Simultaneously, the Force CID, Abuja, issued a letter of invitation to Otse on July 30, 2026, requesting his appearance to substantiate the claims he made publicly.
VDM had accused AIG Jimoh of manipulating the outcome of investigations into the killing of youth leader Sheriff Salami in April 2023 and the killing of Ademola Akinloye, son of an Ajiran traditional ruler, in August 2024. Following the police investigation at the time, Hammed Akanbi, a businessman, was declared wanted, arrested by INTERPOL in Benin Republic in April, and repatriated to Nigeria to face prosecution.
VDM's Challenge to Investigation
VDM has publicly challenged the investigation, alleging that Akanbi was wrongly implicated and that Jimoh, who served as Commissioner of Police in Lagos during the investigation, manipulated evidence to portray Akanbi as the mastermind of the killings. He has also challenged Jimoh to produce the original statements of certain suspects, arguing that they did not initially implicate Akanbi.
In response, the Police Force stated that the criminal case referenced by the activist has already been investigated and filed before a court of competent jurisdiction. The Force emphasized it will allow the court to decide the matter and will not debate it on social media.
Police Position on Allegations
The police invited VDM to provide evidence to support his claims. The Force reiterated that every allegation will be investigated, regardless of who is involved, but must follow proper legal process. The statement read in part: ''The Nigeria Police Force notes recent public statements and social media commentary by Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), concerning the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Lagos, and an ongoing criminal matter.''
The statement further clarified: ''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.''
Internal Accountability and Due Process
The Force confirmed that the Force CID has invited AIG Jimoh for questioning, and that a formal invitation was issued to Otse on July 30, 2026. The statement emphasized the Force's commitment to investigate all credible allegations of misconduct, regardless of rank or public profile, through established channels including the Force CID, the Force Complaint Response Unit, and the Office of the IGP.
Discipline within the Nigeria Police Force is governed by the Constitution, the Police Act 2020, Police Regulations, Force Orders, and other administrative procedures, which apply uniformly to every officer. The Force affirmed the constitutional right to freedom of expression and accountability, but cautioned that freedom of expression does not extend to defamation or amplification of unsubstantiated allegations.
Next Steps and Legal Remedies
The police urged Otse to honor the invitation, engage with the administrative review in good faith, and allow the judicial process to run its course. The Force warned that where allegations are established to be false and damaging to an officer's reputation, it reserves the right to pursue legal remedies.
The statement concluded: ''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.''
