Police launch probe of AIG Jimoh, invite VDM to substantiate allegations

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced an internal investigation into allegations against the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Zone 2 Command, Lagos, AIG Moshood Jimoh, while inviting social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence in support of his claims.

The Force, however, maintained that a separate criminal matter linked to the controversy remains before a court of competent jurisdiction and warned against attempts to influence judicial proceedings through public campaigns.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Police said the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) had invited AIG Jimoh for questioning as part of the Force’s internal accountability process.

The statement also disclosed that the FCID in Abuja had formally invited Otse on July 30, 2026, to appear before investigators to substantiate allegations he made in the public domain.

According to the Police, these steps underscore the institution’s 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 clarified that the criminal case referenced in public discussions had already been investigated and charged to court following legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), making the matter sub judice.

It stressed that the judiciary alone holds the constitutional responsibility to determine the case, adding that the Police would neither conduct the trial in the media nor permit public commentary to dictate its outcome.

The statement reaffirmed that disciplinary matters within the Force are governed by the Constitution, the Police Act 2020, Police Regulations, Force Orders, and other established administrative procedures applicable to officers of all ranks.

While acknowledging the constitutional right of Nigerians to freedom of expression and to demand accountability from public institutions, the Force cautioned that such rights should not be used to promote unverified allegations or pressure authorities into taking disciplinary action outside due process.

It assured that any officer found culpable after the investigation would be sanctioned in accordance with the law, while false and malicious allegations intended to tarnish the image of officers or the institution could attract legal consequences.

The Police urged Otse to honor the invitation extended by the FCID and cooperate with investigators, insisting that grievances against officers are best resolved through established complaint mechanisms rather than sustained public campaigns.

Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability, the Force stated that no officer is above the law, no genuine complaint will be ignored, and no disciplinary action will be taken outside procedures prescribed by law.