Force orders internal review as VeryDarkMan is asked to substantiate claims; says case already before court and warns against trial by media

The Nigeria Police Force has launched an internal investigation into the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Moshood Jimoh, following corruption allegations raised by social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, confirmed that AIG Jimoh has been invited for questioning as part of an administrative review process. The police also disclosed that VeryDarkMan has been formally invited to present evidence to back up the claims he made publicly.

The Force clarified that the criminal aspect of the allegations has already been investigated and is currently before a competent court, based on legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). It stressed that, given the ongoing judicial proceedings, it would refrain from commenting on the matter in the media or allowing public sentiment to influence the outcome.

According to the statement, the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, had on July 30, 2026, sent an official invitation to VeryDarkMan, requesting his appearance to substantiate the allegations contained in his social media videos.

The police described the move as a demonstration of its commitment to accountability within its ranks, emphasizing that no officer is above the law and that due process would be strictly followed.

For weeks, VeryDarkMan has publicly accused AIG Jimoh of corruption, alleging that during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos, officers under his command wrongfully linked a businessman, Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, to two separate murder cases in Eti-Osa.

VDM further claimed that suspects initially confessed to one of the killings without implicating Akanbi, but that subsequent statements allegedly linking the businessman were obtained under pressure and torture. He has repeatedly challenged the police to release the original statements, insisting he should be held accountable if his claims are proven false.

Reaffirming citizens’ constitutional rights, the police noted that individuals are free to demand accountability and express their views. However, it cautioned that freedom of expression must not be used to spread unverified allegations or damage reputations.

The Force added that any officer found culpable after investigation would face appropriate disciplinary measures, while individuals found to have made false and malicious allegations could also be subject to legal action.

It urged VeryDarkMan to honour the invitation extended to him by the FCID and allow both the administrative probe and the court process to run their course without interference.