The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has firmly reiterated that the criminal case linked to the Ajiran murders remains before a competent court and must be allowed to proceed without interference from public campaigns or media commentary. This reaffirmation comes in response to ongoing public allegations made by social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), against Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh of Zone 2, Lagos.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 4, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, emphasized that the case referenced in the public commentary has been thoroughly investigated and is now being prosecuted following legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The matter, according to the police, is now sub judice, meaning it is subject to judicial determination and must not be tried in the court of public opinion.
Police Dismiss Media Trials and Public Campaigns
The Nigeria Police Force made it unequivocally clear that it will not conduct the trial in the media nor permit public campaigns to determine the outcome of proceedings already before the courts. The statement read: "The Force will neither conduct the trial in the media nor permit public campaigns to determine the outcome of proceedings already before the courts." This position underscores the police's commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served through proper legal channels.
The police's stance comes after weeks of intense social media activity by VeryDarkMan, who has made a series of allegations against AIG Jimoh. The influencer's claims have sparked widespread public debate, but the police have consistently maintained that such matters should be resolved through established legal and disciplinary procedures, not through viral online campaigns.
AIG Jimoh Declines Social Media Exchanges
AIG Jimoh himself has broken his silence on the matter, stating that he will not engage in public arguments on social media over a case that is already pending before the courts. Instead, the senior officer urged anyone with evidence of professional misconduct or corruption against him to present it through the appropriate legal process rather than through public commentary. This measured response reflects a broader commitment within the police force to avoid trial by media and to rely on due process.
Jimoh's decision to refrain from social media exchanges is significant, as it sets a precedent for how senior police officers handle allegations in the digital age. By directing complainants to formal channels, he reinforces the principle that accountability must be pursued through legally recognized mechanisms, not through inflammatory online posts.
Internal Review Underway Within the Police Force
In addition to the criminal proceedings, the police have disclosed that an internal accountability process is already underway. The Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) has invited AIG Jimoh for questioning as part of this process. This independent review demonstrates that the police are taking the allegations seriously and are willing to investigate their own personnel, regardless of rank.
Separately, the FCID in Abuja has issued a formal invitation dated July 30 to Martins Vincent Otse, asking him to appear before investigators to substantiate the allegations he has made publicly against AIG Jimoh. The police statement emphasized that both actions—inviting Jimoh and summoning Otse—demonstrate the Force's commitment to investigating credible allegations through established disciplinary procedures, irrespective of the officer's rank or the complainant's public profile.
Police Cite Due Process and Legal Frameworks
The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated that disciplinary proceedings within the force are governed by the Nigerian Constitution, the Police Act 2020, Police Regulations, Force Orders, and other administrative procedures that apply equally to all officers. This legal framework ensures that any investigation is conducted fairly and objectively, with sanctions imposed only where culpability is established.
While acknowledging Nigerians' constitutional right to freedom of expression and the right to demand accountability from public institutions, the police were quick to point out that these rights do not extend to defamation or the circulation of unverified allegations intended to influence disciplinary or judicial outcomes. The statement read: "Allegations must be formally submitted, investigated and objectively assessed. Any officer found culpable following investigation will face sanctions in accordance with the law."
Furthermore, the police warned that where allegations are found to be false and deliberately intended to damage the reputation of an officer or the institution, the Force reserves the right to seek legal remedies. This serves as a clear warning to those who might use social media as a weapon to tarnish reputations without evidence.
Police Urge Cooperation and Adherence to Proper Channels
The Nigeria Police Force has called on Martins Vincent Otse to honour the FCID invitation and cooperate fully with investigators, while allowing the separate criminal proceedings before the court to run their course. The Force advised that complaints against police officers should be pursued through recognised oversight and complaint mechanisms rather than through public campaigns.
The statement concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the police's institutional values: "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." This message is intended to reassure the public that the police are committed to self-regulation and transparency.
Group Reacts to VDM's Social Media Attacks on AIG Jimoh
Earlier, in a related development, a security advocacy group, the Coalition for Security Awareness and National Stability (CSANS), publicly condemned what it called a deliberate campaign of defamation by VeryDarkMan targeting AIG Jimoh Moshood. The statement, signed by the group's National Coordinator, Comrade Ibrahim Musa, on Wednesday, July 29, in Abuja, described the attacks as reckless and malicious, warning that they risk eroding public trust in Nigeria's security institutions.
CSANS's condemnation highlights the growing concern among civil society groups about the misuse of social media to attack public officials without proper substantiation. The group's stance aligns with the police's position that allegations must be formally submitted and investigated, not broadcast to millions without verification.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
As the Ajiran murders case proceeds through the courts, and as the internal police investigation continues, all eyes will be on how both processes unfold. The Nigeria Police Force has made it clear that it will not bow to public pressure or media campaigns, and that justice will be served through the legal system. For VeryDarkMan, the FCID invitation is an opportunity to present evidence and substantiate his claims in a formal setting. For AIG Jimoh, the internal review offers a chance to clear his name if the allegations are unfounded.
Ultimately, this case underscores the delicate balance between the public's right to demand accountability and the need to protect the integrity of judicial and disciplinary processes. The police's steadfast commitment to due process serves as a reminder that in a democracy, no one is above the law, but neither should anyone be condemned without a fair hearing.
