The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to due process, institutional discipline, and the rule of law in the wake of the controversy involving social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Lagos, AIG Moshood Jimoh.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, stated that the criminal case mentioned in VeryDarkMan’s recent public comments had been investigated and was already in court, based on legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
The police emphasized that because the case was before a court with sufficient authority, the decision was entirely up to the justice.
“The Force will not try this case in the media, nor will it allow its outcome to be shaped by public campaigns or commentary seeking to prejudge the officers or parties involved,” the statement read.
However, the police revealed that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department had summoned AIG Jimoh for questioning regarding the charges against him.
According to the statement, the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja extended a formal invitation to VeryDarkMan on July 30, 2026, requesting that he come before investigators to back up the claims he made publicly.
The police claimed the decision highlighted their commitment to investigating all valid complaints of misconduct, regardless of the position of the officer involved or the status of the complainant.
It further stated that disciplinary measures within the force are governed by the Constitution, the Police Act 2020, police regulations, force orders, and other administrative procedures.
While respecting Nigerians’ constitutional right to free expression and criticism of public institutions, the Force cautioned against spreading false claims.
The statement clarified that freedom of expression does not include slander or attempts to coerce disciplinary action through public pressure.
It further said that any officer found guilty following an investigation would face legal fines, whereas false charges meant to harm officers’ or the institution’s reputation might result in legal consequences.
The Force requested VeryDarkMan to accept the Force CID’s offer and enable the administrative and judicial processes to proceed.
“Grievances against officers The statement added that established complaint and oversight mechanisms are the best way to resolve grievances against officers, rather than public campaigns designed to force disciplinary outcomes. through established complaint and oversight mechanisms rather than public campaigns designed to force disciplinary outcomes,” the statement added.
The police reaffirmed that no officer is above the law and committed to maintaining professionalism, openness, and responsibility in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
