The Nigeria Police Force has launched an internal investigation into corruption allegations made against Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Abubakar Jimoh by controversial social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), while insisting that due process—not social media pressure—will determine the outcome.
In a statement, the Force Headquarters said disciplinary proceedings against any police officer are strictly governed by the Constitution, the Police Act 2020, Police Regulations, Force Orders and other extant administrative procedures.
The police reaffirmed the right of Nigerians to hold public institutions accountable but cautioned that such rights must be exercised responsibly.
“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.
“However, freedom of expression does not extend to defamation or the propagation of unsubstantiated allegations aimed at forcing disciplinary outcomes outside the bounds of due process,” the statement said.
The Force assured that any officer found culpable after the ongoing investigation would be sanctioned in accordance with the law, stressing that no member of the police is shielded from accountability.
It, however, warned that false or malicious allegations deliberately made to tarnish the image of officers or the institution could attract legal consequences.
The police also urged VeryDarkMan to honour the invitation extended to him by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), saying his cooperation would enable investigators to thoroughly examine his claims alongside the ongoing judicial proceedings.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and transparency, the Force declared that “no officer is above the law, and no genuine complaint is ignored,” adding that disciplinary actions would only be taken through legally established procedures rather than public pressure.
