The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that it has commenced an administrative review of corruption allegations levelled against Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Abubakar Jimoh by social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The Force, however, stressed that disciplinary matters involving police officers are guided by the Constitution, the Police Act 2020, Police Regulations, Force Orders and other established administrative procedures applicable to all personnel.
While reaffirming Nigerians’ constitutional right to freedom of expression and to demand accountability from public institutions, the police cautioned against the circulation of unverified allegations.
“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.
“That said, freedom of expression does not extend to defamation or the amplification of unsubstantiated allegations as a means of compelling disciplinary outcomes outside due process,” the statement said.
The police added that any officer found culpable after the ongoing investigation would face appropriate disciplinary measures in line with the law. It also warned that individuals who deliberately make false allegations capable of damaging the reputation of officers or the institution could face legal consequences.
The Force urged Otse to honour the invitation extended to him by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), saying his cooperation would aid both the administrative review and the ongoing judicial process.
“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; nor will any officer be sanctioned outside the procedures the law prescribes,” the statement added.