The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to due process, institutional discipline and the rule of law amid the controversy surrounding social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly 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, said the criminal matter referenced in recent public comments by VeryDarkMan had been investigated and was already before a court following legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
The police stressed that since the case was before a court of competent jurisdiction, its determination rested solely with the judiciary.
“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.
The police, however, disclosed that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department had invited AIG Jimoh for questioning over the allegations raised against him.
According to the statement, the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja also issued a formal invitation to VeryDarkMan on July 30, 2026, requesting that he appear before investigators to substantiate the allegations he made publicly.
The police said the move demonstrated its resolve to investigate all credible allegations of misconduct, irrespective of the rank of the officer involved or the status of the complainant.
It added that disciplinary actions within the Force are guided by the Constitution, the Police Act 2020, Police Regulations, Force Orders and other administrative procedures.
While acknowledging Nigerians’ constitutional right to freedom of expression and criticism of public institutions, the Force warned against the spread of unsubstantiated allegations.
The statement noted that freedom of expression did not extend to defamation or attempts to compel disciplinary action through public pressure.
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 consequences.
The Force urged VeryDarkMan to honour the invitation extended by the Force CID and allow both the administrative review and judicial proceedings to run their course.
“Grievances against officers are best resolved through established complaint and oversight mechanisms rather than public campaigns designed to force disciplinary outcomes,” the statement added.
The police reiterated that no officer is above the law and pledged to continue upholding professionalism, transparency and accountability in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
