Police probe AIG over VeryDarkMan’s corruption allegations

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The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that it is investigating the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Moshood Jimoh, over allegations raised by social media personality, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.

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The Force said the AIG had been invited for questioning as part of an internal administrative review, while the criminal matter linked to the allegations remains before a court.

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It said it has also invited Otse to substantiate his claims.

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This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu

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“The Nigeria Police Force notes recent public statements and social media commentary by Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), concerning the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Lagos, and an ongoing criminal matter. The Force wishes to place the following facts on record and clarify the status of both the judicial and administrative processes involved.

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“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 (DPP). As the matter is subjudice, its adjudication rests solely with the judiciary,” the statement read.

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The Force stressed that it would not litigate the matter in the media or allow public campaigns to influence the judicial process.

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“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.

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“Separately, and in line with its internal accountability mechanisms, the Force confirms that the Assistant Inspector-General, Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID), has invited AIG in charge of Zone 2, AIG Moshood Jimoh, for questioning in connection with the allegations raised,” it added.

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According to the statement, the Force CID, Abuja, on July 30, 2026, formally invited Otse to appear at its office in Abuja.

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“The Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, on 30th July 2026, formally issued a letter of invitation to Mr. Otse (VeryDarkMan), inviting him to appear at its Abuja office to substantiate the claims he has made in the public domain.

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“These steps reflect the Force’s standing commitment to investigate all credible allegations of misconduct, regardless of the rank of the officer involved or the public profile of the complainant, through its established channels, including the Force CID, the Force Complaint Response Unit, and, where applicable, the Office of the IGP,” the statement added.

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PUNCH Online learnt that for the past several weeks, Otse has, in a series of social media videos, accused AIG Jimoh of corruption.

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He alleged that police under Jimoh’s supervision when the officer served as Commissioner of Police in Lagos framed businessman, Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, in connection with the killings of Sheriff Ishola/Isola Salami in April 2023 and Demola/Prince Ademola Akinloye in August 2024 in the Ajiran area of Eti-Osa, Lagos.

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VDM claimed that two suspects arrested in January 2026 gave initial confessions or video statements admitting involvement in the Salami killing without naming Akanbi.

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He alleged that later statements implicating Akanbi resulted from pressure or torture.

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In the videos, VDM repeatedly challenged AIG Jimoh to produce original suspect statements, stating that if proven wrong, he should face the full weight of the law.

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He continued releasing follow-up content in subsequent weeks, reiterating the accusations and calling for independent review of the evidence.

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Meanwhile, police reiterated that disciplinary matters are governed by the Constitution, the Police Act 2020, Police Regulations, Force Orders and other administrative procedures applicable to all officers.

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While affirming Nigerians’ right to freedom of expression and to demand accountability, the police warned against the spread of unsubstantiated allegations.

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“The Force affirms the constitutional right of every Nigerian to freedom of expression and to demand accountability from public institutions; constructive criticism remains vital to democratic policing.

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“That said, freedom of expression does not extend to defamation or the amplification of unsubstantiated allegations as a means of compelling disciplinary outcomes outside due process,” the statement read.

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It added that any officer found culpable after investigation would face sanctions in accordance with the law, while false allegations intended to damage the reputation of officers or the institution could attract legal action.

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The Force urged Otse to honour the invitation extended by the Force CID and allow both the administrative review and the court process to run their course.

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“The Nigeria Police Force remains an institution founded on law, discipline, and accountability. No officer is above the law, and no genuine complaint is ignored; nor will any officer be sanctioned outside the procedures the law prescribes,” the statement said.

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