By Gloria Fraser, MFR
Ajiran Murder Probe: AIG Jimoh Rebuts VeryDarkMan’s Claims, Insists Due Process Prevails
LAGOS — Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Moshood Jimoh, has publicly responded to allegations circulated by social media activist VeryDarkMan over the investigation into the Ajiran murder case, insisting that the Police acted lawfully, professionally and strictly in accordance with directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police.
Speaking during a press interview at the Zone 2 Command Headquarters in Lagos on Monday following a solidarity visit by a coalition of human rights organisations, the senior police officer dismissed the allegations as misleading and capable of creating unnecessary public misunderstanding over an ongoing criminal investigation.
The controversy surrounding the Ajiran murder case has generated widespread public debate on social media, with differing narratives competing for public attention. However, AIG Jimoh maintained that criminal investigations cannot be driven by online campaigns or public opinion.
“I will not engage anyone in a social media battle. Policing and criminal investigations are guided by law, evidence and established procedures—not by online campaigns or public sentiments,” he said.
The AIG stressed that every action taken during the investigation complied with the law and followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police.
“Every action we have taken in connection with this investigation has been lawful, professional and in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police,” he added.
Reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and due process, Jimoh warned against substituting social media narratives for legally established investigative procedures.
“Members of the public should be careful about relying on unverified narratives circulating on social media. Such claims can distort facts, undermine legitimate investigations and weaken public confidence in institutions established to uphold justice,” he cautioned.
He emphasised that investigators remain guided by admissible evidence capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny rather than opinions expressed on digital platforms.
Security analysts observe that the Ajiran murder investigation has become one of Nigeria’s most closely followed criminal cases, reflecting the growing influence of social media on public perception of law enforcement. While digital platforms have strengthened public participation and accountability, legal experts caution that criminal liability must ultimately be determined through evidence presented before competent courts rather than by online campaigns.
Across democratic societies, police agencies are expected to balance transparency with the need to preserve the integrity of ongoing investigations. The United Kingdom, Canada and the United States similarly discourage investigators from litigating criminal cases in the media, preferring that evidence be tested in court.
AIG Jimoh reiterated that the Police would not allow social media controversies to derail ongoing investigations or compromise the pursuit of justice.
“Our responsibility is to uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of every party and ensure that justice is pursued fairly, professionally and without prejudice,” he said.
As public interest in the Ajiran murder case continues to grow, the Zone 2 Police Command maintains that the investigation will remain evidence-driven and conducted strictly within the framework of the law.
For both investigators and the public, the message from the AIG was unequivocal: justice is achieved through due process, credible evidence and the courts—not through social media verdicts.
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Desk.
