DM vs AIG Moshood Jimoh: Police uphold due process, summon both parties for investigation

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reaffirmed its commitment to due process, institutional discipline and the rule of law, saying ongoing judicial and administrative proceedings involving Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Lagos, Moshood Jimoh, and social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), will be handled strictly in accordance with the law.

The Force clarified on Monday amid public commentary surrounding allegations raised by VeryDarkMan against the senior police officer.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Police said the criminal matter referenced by the influencer had already been investigated and was before a court of competent jurisdiction following legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

According to the statement, because the matter is now before the court, the Police will not litigate the case in the media or allow public campaigns to influence the judicial process.

“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 subjudice, its adjudication rests solely with the judiciary,” the statement said.

The Force, however, disclosed that a separate internal administrative review is underway.

It said the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) has invited AIG Moshood Jimoh for questioning over the allegations raised against him.

The Police also confirmed that on July 30, 2026, the FCID, Abuja, formally invited VeryDarkMan to appear before investigators to provide evidence in support of the claims he made publicly.

According to the Force, the invitations demonstrate its commitment to investigating all credible allegations of misconduct, irrespective of the rank of the officer involved or the public profile of the complainant.

The Police explained that allegations against officers are investigated through established institutional mechanisms, including the Force CID, the Force Complaint Response Unit and, where necessary, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police.

The statement emphasised that discipline within the Nigeria Police Force is guided by the Constitution, the Police Act 2020, Police Regulations, Force Orders and other administrative procedures applicable to every officer, regardless of rank.

While acknowledging the constitutional right of Nigerians to freedom of expression and to demand accountability from public institutions, the Force warned that such rights do not extend to defamation or attempts to compel disciplinary action through unverified public allegations.

The Police maintained that every allegation must be formally submitted, investigated and objectively assessed before any disciplinary action can be taken.

It added that officers found culpable would be sanctioned in accordance with the law, while false allegations deliberately intended to damage the reputation of officers or the institution could attract legal consequences.

The Force urged VeryDarkMan to honour the invitation extended to him by the FCID and cooperate fully with investigators while allowing both the administrative review and the judicial proceedings to run their lawful course.

It stressed that complaints against police officers are best resolved through established complaint and oversight mechanisms rather than through public campaigns.

Reaffirming its position, the Nigeria Police Force said it remains committed to professionalism, transparency, accountability and the impartial administration of justice.

“No officer is above the law, and no genuine complaint is ignored; nor will any officer be sanctioned outside the procedures prescribed by law,” the statement added.