The ongoing dispute between social media activist 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 grown beyond a social media confrontation into a broader debate about police accountability and the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
VDM Demands Independent Investigation
For several weeks, VDM has released a series of videos alleging that businessman Ahmed Akanbi was wrongly implicated in the murder case.
According to the activist, suspects initially arrested did not mention Akanbi in their confessional statements, but later statements linking him to the crime were allegedly obtained under pressure.
VDM also alleged that some suspects were tortured during the investigation and claimed there were attempts to manipulate the outcome of the case.
Maintaining that he possesses documentary evidence to support his claims, the activist has repeatedly called for an independent investigation into the matter.
However, the controversy has now shifted to his refusal to honour a police invitation to Lagos.
“I am not coming to Lagos,” VDM declared in a video shared on his social media platforms.
He argued that the investigation should instead be handled in Abuja by the Force Headquarters or the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).
“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.
VDM further expressed fears that false allegations could be levelled against him or incriminating items planted in his belongings if he travelled to Lagos.
He also disclosed plans to petition the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to transfer the suspects involved in the case to Abuja, arguing that they might not be safe in Lagos.
Police Separate Court Case from Internal Investigation
Rather than engaging the activist on social media, the Nigeria Police Force has adopted what appears to be a two-track approach by distinguishing the ongoing murder trial from its internal administrative investigation.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police noted 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 said.
The Force maintained that it would neither conduct the trial in the media nor allow public campaigns to influence judicial proceedings.
At the same time, the police confirmed that the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the FCID had invited AIG Moshood Jimoh for questioning over the allegations made against him.
Similarly, the FCID Headquarters in Abuja formally invited VDM to appear before investigators and provide evidence to support the allegations he has made publicly.
According to the police, these actions demonstrate the Force’s commitment to investigating complaints against officers regardless of their rank or the public profile of the complainant.
The police also reiterated that complaints against officers are handled through established mechanisms, including the FCID, the Force Complaint Response Unit, and, where necessary, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police.
Balancing Accountability and Due Process
The Inspector-General of Police now faces the challenge of preserving the integrity of an ongoing murder trial while ensuring that allegations against a senior police officer receive an impartial and independent investigation.
By inviting both AIG Jimoh and VDM, the Police Force says it is seeking to balance accountability with due process.
Internal Disciplinary Procedures
The Force also explained that disciplinary proceedings against police officers are traditionally handled through internal mechanisms rather than in the public space.
According to the police, administrative allegations against AIG Jimoh will follow established investigative procedures independent of the criminal case already before the courts.
The controversy has reignited conversations about the professionalism and objectivity of police investigations, especially in cases where investigation reports form the basis for criminal prosecutions.
It has also highlighted the growing influence of citizens and digital platforms in demanding greater accountability from public institutions.
While acknowledging Nigerians’ constitutional right to hold public officials accountable, the police cautioned against attempts to use unverified allegations to secure disciplinary action outside established legal 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….See more