By Danjuma Lamido
Social media has become a double-edged sword in modern Nigeria. While it provides a platform for public discourse and accountability, it is increasingly being used as a weapon for character assassination, falsehoods, and deliberate misinformation.
The latest case in point is the allegations made by social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, linking the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Lagos, AIG Jimoh Moshood Olohundare, to land grabbing in Lagos State.
The claim is not only baseless, it defies logic.
AIG Jimoh Moshood is a distinguished officer with an unblemished record of service across several strategic commands. At the time referenced, he served as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State. Anyone familiar with public administration knows that an officer of his standing, with years of meritorious service, could legitimately apply for and obtain land from the Lagos State Government through due process, without resorting to illegality.
It is therefore laughable to suggest that a senior police officer of his calibre would engage in criminal land grabbing when lawful avenues are open to him. This contradiction exposes the malicious intent behind the allegations.
Once again, VeryDarkMan and the forces behind this smear campaign have failed in their attempt to tarnish the reputation of an officer whose career has been defined by professionalism, discipline and dedication to national service.
There are strong indications that these attacks are coordinated. VeryDarkMan appears to be acting on information supplied by interested parties seeking to settle personal scores through social media propaganda. It is even more troubling that the allegations are reportedly based on information allegedly supplied by one Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, in exchange for personal gain, to malign a distinguished police officer.
Equally disturbing are claims that confidential police documents are being leaked to VeryDarkMan by individuals within the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department. If true, this is a serious breach of official ethics and operational security.
The Nigeria Police Force must urgently investigate the authenticity of every document circulated by VeryDarkMan and determine if serving officers are unlawfully releasing confidential records for media manipulation. Any officer found culpable should face disciplinary and legal action.
While freedom of expression is guaranteed by the constitution, it does not cover defamation, cyberstalking, or orchestrated campaigns to destroy reputations with lies. The law provides legitimate channels for dispute resolution. Social media should not become a courtroom where people are convicted based on sensational claims.
The Police authorities should invite VeryDarkMan to account for these publications and, where necessary, investigate allegations of cyberstalking and dissemination of false and defamatory material. This will reinforce the principle that no one is above the law, and that due process must be followed.
The Nigeria Police Force has a duty to protect both the public and the integrity of its officers. When senior officers are deliberately targeted with false allegations, the institution itself suffers reputational damage.
An injury to one police officer is an injury to the entire Police Force. Protecting the dignity of honest officers is crucial to maintaining public confidence in the institution.
Danjuma Lamido writes from Festac Town, Lagos.
Email: danjumalamido2011@gmail.com
