… Reaffirms due process,warns against media trial
The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to due process and the rule of law, saying it will not allow public commentary to influence an ongoing criminal case involving social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
The Force, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the matter referenced in recent public discussions had been investigated and was already before a court of competent jurisdiction following the advice of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
It noted that the case was sub judice and would be determined solely by 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, confirmed that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department had invited the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Moshood Jimoh, for questioning over the allegations raised.
It also disclosed that the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, on July 30, 2026, formally invited Otse to appear at its office to substantiate claims he made in the public domain.
According to the statement, the steps taken reflect the Force’s commitment to investigating all credible allegations of misconduct, irrespective of the rank of the officer or the profile of the complainant.
It added that disciplinary processes within the Force are guided by the Constitution, the Police Act 2020, Police Regulations, and other established administrative procedures.
While affirming the right of Nigerians to freedom of expression and to demand accountability, the police cautioned against the spread of unverified allegations.
“Freedom of expression does not extend to defamation or the amplification of unsubstantiated claims as a means of compelling disciplinary outcomes outside due process,” the statement added.
The Force stressed that any officer found culpable after investigation would be sanctioned in line with the law, while false allegations aimed at damaging reputations could attract legal consequences.
It urged Otse to honour the invitation extended to him and allow both the administrative and judicial processes to run their course.
“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,” the statement concluded.