Police probe AIG over VeryDarkMan’s corruption allegations

The Nigeria Police Force has launched an investigation into Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Moshood Jimoh, who oversees Zone 2 Command, following allegations of corruption leveled by social media personality Martins Otse, known online as VeryDarkMan. According to a statement released by the Force's Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the inquiry follows a series of public posts by Otse accusing Jimoh of orchestrating the framing of businessman Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi in connection with the murders of two individuals in Lagos. The allegations date back to April 2023 and August 2024, when Akanbi was implicated in the killings of Sheriff Ishola/Isola Salami and Demola/Prince Ademola Akinloye in the Ajiran area of Eti-Osa, Lagos. Otse claims that two suspects arrested in January 2026 initially confessed or provided video statements admitting their involvement in the Salami killing without naming Akanbi. However, later statements implicating Akanbi were allegedly obtained through coercion or physical abuse. Otse, in a string of social media videos, has repeatedly challenged Jimoh to present the original suspect statements, asserting that if found to be incorrect, Jimoh should face legal consequences. He has continued to release follow-up content, reinforcing these claims and urging for an independent examination of the evidence. The Nigeria Police Force clarified that the criminal matter involving Akanbi is currently pending in court, having been referred by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). It emphasized that the judicial process is independent and不受外部舆论影响, stressing that it will not engage in public campaigns or media litigation related to the case. Additionally, the Force confirmed that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Abuja has invited Otse to provide further information regarding his allegations. The invitation to Otse was formalized on July 30, 2026, via a letter requesting his appearance at the CID office in Abuja. This step aligns with the Force's policy of addressing all credible misconduct allegations, irrespective of the rank of the officer or the public stature of the accuser. The statement noted that the Force CID, along with other internal accountability bodies such as the Force Complaint Response Unit and the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), will handle the investigation. Jimoh, who previously served as Commissioner of Police in Lagos, is currently under scrutiny for potential wrongdoing. His role in overseeing the Zone 2 Command adds complexity to the situation, as the allegations suggest possible misuse of authority or procedural impropriety during investigations. The Force has not yet commented directly on the specific nature of the allegations against Jimoh, focusing instead on reaffirming its commitment to transparency and due process. The Nigerian Constitution and the Police Act 2020 govern disciplinary actions within the force, ensuring that any internal inquiries adhere to legal frameworks. While the Force has not disclosed the exact scope of the administrative review, it has stated that Jimoh will be questioned as part of this process. The outcome of this internal probe could have significant implications for both Jimoh and the broader operations of the Nigeria Police Force.