By Headlinenews.news
The Nigeria Police have challenged social media influencer Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide verifiable evidence in support of his allegation that an individual died in police custody during the tenure of Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State.
The challenge follows allegations circulated on social media which police authorities have categorically denied, insisting there is no official record corresponding to the incident as described. The development has once again brought into sharp focus the growing tension between the power of social media to promote accountability and its potential to amplify unverified claims capable of damaging reputations and undermining public confidence in state institutions.
According to the police, no report, complaint or documented case matching the allegation was recorded during AIG Jimoh’s tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos. Consequently, the Force has called on the accuser to provide specific details that would enable an objective investigation rather than leaving such a grave allegation in the realm of speculation.
Among the particulars requested are the full identity of the alleged victim, the date the incident allegedly occurred, the police detention facility where it purportedly took place and any other relevant evidence capable of assisting investigators.
The police maintain that allegations involving an alleged death in custody are extremely serious and should never be treated casually. Such claims, if substantiated, carry significant legal consequences and demand immediate investigation. Conversely, allegations made without supporting facts also risk causing substantial reputational damage to individuals and institutions.
Under Nigerian law, allegations of custodial death can trigger criminal investigation, internal disciplinary proceedings, judicial review and, where appropriate, prosecution. Equally, the rule of law demands that those making such serious accusations present sufficient information to enable investigators establish the truth. It is this balance between accountability and fairness that underpins every democratic justice system.
The controversy also reflects a broader challenge confronting law enforcement agencies worldwide. Social media has become an indispensable platform for exposing genuine misconduct, encouraging transparency and empowering citizens. At the same time, its speed and reach have made it possible for unverified narratives to spread rapidly, sometimes shaping public opinion long before facts are established through due process.
Legal and security analysts have consistently argued that while freedom of expression remains a constitutional right, it carries a corresponding civic responsibility. Serious allegations against identifiable individuals should be based on verifiable facts capable of independent scrutiny, particularly where such allegations have the potential to affect ongoing investigations, public confidence or personal reputation.
The Nigeria Police have stated that should credible evidence be produced, the matter will be investigated transparently, professionally and in accordance with the law.
Supporters of AIG Jimoh also point to his widely acknowledged record of intelligence-led policing, professionalism and respect for human rights during his tenure as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State. His leadership earned him several notable honours, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council Crime Fighter of the Year Award, the Security Officer of the Year Award at the Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA), and the National Patriots Award for Integrity, Courage and Excellence in Intelligence-Led Policing, conferred in recognition of what the organisation described as his unwavering commitment to operational integrity, intelligence-driven policing, professionalism, respect for human rights and outstanding service to national security.
Nonetheless, commendations and awards do not remove the obligation of accountability where credible evidence exists. Equally, allegations alone cannot substitute for proof. That is precisely why due process remains the cornerstone of justice.
The present dispute therefore extends beyond one allegation or one senior police officer. It raises an important national question about the standards expected of public discourse in the digital age. Public accountability is strengthened when allegations are supported by evidence; it is weakened when accusations are reduced to speculation, sensationalism or social media contests for attention.
Ultimately, the responsibility now lies with the originator of the allegation to provide verifiable facts that can be independently investigated. If credible evidence exists, it deserves a transparent investigation. If such evidence cannot be produced, responsible public discourse requires restraint before allegations capable of damaging reputations are presented as established facts.
In a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law, justice is served not by the loudest voice on social media but by facts, evidence and due process. That principle protects the innocent, holds the guilty accountable and preserves public confidence in both the justice system and the institutions entrusted with protecting society.
The National Patriots believes that allegations as serious as an alleged death in police custody must be supported by credible evidence and subjected to impartial investigation. We commend the Nigeria Police for demanding verifiable facts while reaffirming its readiness to investigate any substantiated complaint. Truth, due process and accountability—not trial by social media—remain the bedrock of justice and democratic governance.
Dr. G. Fraser. MFR
The National Patriots.
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