By Esther Onyegbula
LAGOS — THE ongoing face-off between social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, VDM and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Moshood Jimoh, has evolved beyond a social media dispute into a significant test of the Nigeria Police Force’s accountability mechanisms and the integrity of the country’s criminal justice system.
Although public attention has largely centred on the exchanges between the activist and the senior police officer, the underlying issues extend far beyond the two personalities.
Also Read: Why I ignored police invitation to Lagos — VeryDarkMan
At the heart of the controversy are allegations relating to the police investigation into the killings of Sheriff Salami in 2023 and Prince Ademola Akinloye in 2024 in the Ajiran area of Eti-Osa, Lagos, and whether the investigation was conducted in accordance with due process.
VDM calls for independent investigation
For weeks, VDM released a series of videos alleging that the businessman, Ahmed Akanbi, was wrongly implicated in the murder case.
According to him, suspects initially arrested did not mention Akanbi in their confessional statements, but later statements linking him to the crime were allegedly obtained under pressure.
He further alleged that some suspects were tortured during the investigation and claimed there was an attempt to manipulate the outcome of the case.
While insisting that documentary evidence exists to support his allegations, VDM has repeatedly called for an independent investigation.
His latest position, however, has shifted attention to another issue, his refusal to honour an invitation to Lagos over concerns about his personal safety.
“I am not coming to Lagos,” VDM declared in a video posted on his social media platforms.
According to him, the investigation should be transferred to Abuja where the Force Headquarters, the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and other senior police formations can handle the matter.
“If there were another AIG in charge of the Lagos command, I would go. But as long as AIG Moshood Jimoh remains there, I will not honour any invitation from Lagos regarding this matter,” he said.
He expressed fears that false allegations could be made against him or incriminating items planted in his belongings if he travelled to Lagos, adding that he intends to petition the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the suspects involved in the case to Abuja because, according to him, he believes they may not be safe in Lagos.
Police separate criminal trial from administrative investigation
Rather than joining issues with the activist on social media, the Nigeria Police Force has adopted what appears to be a two-pronged approach by separating the ongoing criminal proceedings from its internal administrative investigation.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police stressed that the Ajiran murder case had already been investigated and charged to court following legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP.
“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. As the matter is sub judice, its adjudication rests solely with the judiciary,” the statement read.
The Force also maintained that it would neither “try the case in the media” nor permit public campaigns to influence judicial proceedings.
At the same time, the police confirmed that the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department had invited AIG Moshood Jimoh for questioning over the allegations raised against him.
Similarly, the FCID Headquarters in Abuja formally invited VDM to appear before investigators and substantiate the allegations he has made publicly.
According to the police, the steps underscore the Force’s commitment to investigating allegations of misconduct “regardless of the rank of the officer involved or the public profile of the complainant.”
The Force added that complaints against police officers are investigated through established channels, including the FCID, the Force Complaint Response Unit and, where necessary, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police.
The Inspector-General of Police now faces the delicate task of protecting the integrity of an ongoing murder trial while ensuring that allegations against a senior police officer receive a fair and independent hearing.
The Force’s decision to invite both AIG Jimoh and VDM reflects an attempt to balance accountability with due process.
Disciplinary proceedings
Traditionally, the Nigeria Police Force does not conduct disciplinary proceedings in the public space. Except where investigations have been concluded and sanctions imposed, allegations against officers are usually handled through internal mechanisms before any disciplinary action is announced.
This explains the Force’s insistence that while the murder case remains before the courts, the administrative allegations against the senior officer will follow separate investigative procedures.
Perhaps the greatest lesson from the controversy is that it should not be reduced to a contest between two individuals.
The real issue is whether criminal investigations are conducted professionally, objectively and without undue influence.
Police investigation reports often form the foundation upon which criminal prosecutions are built. If those investigations are compromised, the consequences could affect suspects, victims and families seeking justice.
The controversy has also highlighted the increasing role of citizens and digital platforms in demanding accountability from public institutions.
However, it equally reinforces the principle that allegations, no matter how serious, must ultimately be tested through lawful investigative procedures and judicial processes.
While acknowledging Nigerians’ constitutional right to hold public institutions accountable, the police cautioned against using unsubstantiated allegations to compel disciplinary outcomes outside established procedures.
“Allegations must be formally submitted, investigated and objectively assessed. Any officer found culpable following investigation will face sanctions in accordance with the law,” the Force stated.
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