Court Awards N12m Damages Against Police for Abduction, Unlawful Detention of Journalist

• Justice Bello Kawu rules that the police violated the reporter’s constitutional rights to dignity and personal liberty during a 2024 arrest in Abuja.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court, presided over by Justice Bello Kawu, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to pay N12 million in damages for the abduction and unlawful detention of Kasarahchi Aniagolu, a reporter with THE WHISTLER Newspaper. Aniagolu was arrested, assaulted, and detained for eight hours by the Nigeria Police Force on February 21, 2024, in Abuja. She was arrested at a location in Wuse Zone 4 where police operatives allegedly came on a covert operation against operators of illegal bureau de change.

According to reports from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Aniagolu was on a separate reporting assignment when she encountered the police raid and approached an officer, showing her press identification, to request a formal interview. The officer declined, and another nearby officer told Aniagolu to stop filming until the police were done, which she did. After about ten minutes, the officers began to leave, and Aniagolu again began to film and photograph the scene. A female officer noticed and approached Aniagolu, angrily asked who had given her permission to cover the incident, and slapped Aniagolu’s face; another officer hit her on the hand with their gun, and then the female officer dragged the journalist into a police van. On their way to the station, a male officer questioned Aniagolu’s sex, reportedly saying, “Are you sure this is a girl? The way she is holding tightly to her phone seems like it’s a man,” Aniagolu told CPJ. A female officer sitting close to Aniagolu then used her hand to press on the journalist’s chest to confirm her sex. The male officer then pointed his gun at the journalist and threatened to shoot her if she did not give him her phone, boasting that he would “get away with murder” if he killed her. After arriving at the station, two officers pushed the journalist onto her knees, held her hands, and used her face authentication to unlock her phone and delete pictures and videos of the raid. Officers then made her sit on the floor with around 60 men who were arrested during the raid.

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The reporter subsequently filed a suit on October 25, 2024, against the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force, demanding N100 million in damages. In her statement of claims, she said the police abducted her and breached her privacy by seizing her phone and deleting pictures in it. She also accused the police of subjecting her to inhuman treatment while in detention thereby infringing on her fundamental right. The suit was filed on her behalf by the legal firm of Adekunle Kosoko Esq. of Seasons Law Firm, Abuja.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the court declared that the police “subjected the Applicant to inhuman and degrading treatment in contravention of Section 34(1)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) .” The court also ruled that the “abduction of the applicant by officers of the Respondents and the subsequent detention of the Applicant at the Respondent’s station in Guzape District of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja infringed on the Applicant’s right to personal liberty, in contravention of sections 35(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) .” Justice Kawu subsequently ordered the Police to pay the reporter the sum of N10 million as damages for the infringement on her fundamental rights. The presiding judge also ordered the police to pay the reporter the sum of N2 million to cover the cost of litigation.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) had earlier condemned the incident, calling on President Bola Tinubu to sack or call to order Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun over the attack. The rights group described the aggression against Aniagolu as “absolutely intolerable, despicable, reprehensible, primitive and disappointing.” The ruling is expected to renew conversations around police conduct during operations and the protection of journalists in the line of duty. The case marks another significant legal victory for press freedom in Nigeria, reinforcing judicial protections for journalists covering sensitive matters. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) had also documented the case, highlighting the dangers journalists face while carrying out their professional duties in Nigeria. As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not responded to the judgment or indicated whether it intends to appeal the decision.

Court Awards N12m Damages Against Police for Abduction, Unlawful Detention of Journalist

VeryDarkMan Rejects Police Invitation, Alleges Plot to Silence Him Over AIG Corruption Claims

• The outspoken activist insists on an independent investigation into AIG Moshood Jimoh, citing lack of confidence in the Lagos Police Command.

Social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) , has disclosed that he received an invitation from the Lagos State Police Command but has no intention of honouring it. The influencer made the disclosure in a statement shared on his social media platforms, where he accused senior police officers of attempting to suppress allegations he has repeatedly made against Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Moshood Jimoh. According to VeryDarkMan, his decision not to appear before the police was influenced by his long-running public dispute with the senior officer, whom he has accused of corruption, torture, and framing an innocent businessman in a murder case. The activist claimed that he no longer has confidence in the process because the officers involved in the invitation operate under the same command structure headed by the police chief he has been criticising.

The controversy stems from VeryDarkMan’s allegations that AIG Moshood Jimoh conspired to frame a businessman, Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, for the murder of Sheriff Salami. According to the activist, the AIG allegedly worked with Aare Bashiru Fakorede to implicate Akanbi in the killing despite earlier confessions by suspects that did not mention his name. VeryDarkMan claimed that police investigators arrested an initial suspect on January 6, 2026, whose confession reportedly identified other individuals linked to the killing but did not mention Akanbi. He further alleged that another suspect arrested later also gave a confession that did not implicate the businessman. The activist alleged that the suspects were later compelled to make fresh statements implicating Akanbi after being subjected to torture. He also displayed what he described as part of a statement from one of the suspects, in which the suspect allegedly claimed he was tortured and pressured to falsely implicate Akanbi, adding that he acted under duress after witnessing another detainee die in custody. VeryDarkMan argued that the allegations raise concerns about the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system and called on the officer to publicly address the claims.

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Speaking on the matter, VeryDarkMan alleged that the invitation was part of efforts to manage the growing controversy surrounding his allegations against the police officer. “They want me to help cover up AIG Moshood Jimoh. They said the evidence I posted would make Nigerians lose confidence in the Nigeria Police Force, so they want me to support whatever damage control they plan to put out. My answer is no. I will not join in whitewashing AIG Moshood Jimoh. I believe the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, should set up an independent investigative panel to review all the evidence I have presented,” he said. VeryDarkMan has insisted that any investigation into his allegations should be conducted by an independent body rather than officers under the command structure he is accusing. He maintained that he is willing to defend his claims before a neutral investigative panel but would not participate in any process he believes could compromise the integrity of the investigation. In a viral video recorded outside the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) headquarters in Abuja, VeryDarkMan insisted that any investigation involving him should be conducted in Abuja, where the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters is located, rather than in Lagos. He alleged that the Lagos Police Command, which he claimed is under the control of AIG Jimo Moshood, was attempting to lure him to Lagos so he could be arrested and detained. “Police in Lagos just sent me an invitation… the same policeman that I have evidence against is inviting me for investigation. Jimo Moshood wants to silence me. They have tried to get me on their side, and since I refused, they want to lure me to Lagos so they can arrest and detain me,” he wrote. He further claimed that after his alleged arrest, authorities might hold a press conference to justify their actions, but vowed not to be intimidated. VeryDarkMan said he intends to take the matter beyond the police by petitioning the National Assembly, the Senate, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) , and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) .

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Meanwhile, a security advocacy organisation, the Coalition for Security Awareness and National Stability (CSANS) , has thrown its weight behind AIG Jimoh Moshood, condemning what it described as a sustained campaign of defamation and “media trial” by the social media influencer. In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Ibrahim Musa, the group described the repeated public attacks against the senior police officer as “reckless, malicious and capable of eroding public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.” According to CSANS, while public officials remain accountable to the people, allegations of wrongdoing should be investigated through constitutionally recognised institutions rather than prosecuted on social media. The group described Moshood as one of the Nigeria Police Force’s most distinguished officers, noting that his nearly three decades of service have been marked by professionalism, discipline, integrity and dedication. CSANS particularly highlighted Moshood’s tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, describing it as one of the most proactive periods in the state’s policing history. “Social media is not a court of law. No individual, regardless of popularity, has the authority to function as investigator, prosecutor and judge over Nigeria’s security institutions,” the group stated.

This is not the first time VeryDarkMan has publicly rejected or questioned a police invitation. In December 2023, the social media critic explained why he refused to honour an invitation issued by the police over a complaint filed against him. At the time, reports emerged that law enforcement authorities were making efforts to secure his appearance following a petition by an unnamed complainant. Reacting to the development, VeryDarkMan said he received the invitation but chose not to comply because the identity of the complainant was not disclosed in the document. “I am seeing stories that I am running away from the police. I am not running away from the police. I was sent an invite but the date was contradicting itself. If I am arrested in Abuja today, it would be an illegal arrest and I will sue them. I no dey come station if you no send me a proper letter and the person that reported me,” he said. A similar situation also played out in October 2024 when VeryDarkMan honoured a police invitation linked to a viral video in which he appeared wearing an outfit resembling a police uniform. The video showed VDM wearing a police uniform and jokingly introducing himself as a “Chief Superintendent of Police of the Online Division.” The police condemned his actions and ordered an investigation to determine the source of the attire. After reporting at the station, his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, disclosed that the activist was subsequently detained by the police. Before the detention, VeryDarkMan had publicly apologised to the Nigeria Police Force over the controversial video. “Back from the police station where I was interrogated based on the post I made wearing a costume that the police claim is similar to theirs. I didn’t intend to impersonate the police in any way and I tender my unreserved apologies to the Nigeria Police Force and the office of the Inspector General of Police,” he said. VeryDarkMan has also faced legal action from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) , with reports indicating he was arrested in May 2025 in Abuja over undisclosed allegations.

VeryDarkMan Rejects Police Invitation, Alleges Plot to Silence Him Over AIG Corruption Claims

Troops Neutralize 102 Terrorists, Rescue 393 Kidnap Victims in July – DHQ

• Military operations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones record major successes against Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, and kidnappers.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria killed 102 terrorists and criminals, arrested 345 suspects, and rescued 393 kidnapped victims during joint military operations conducted nationwide throughout July 2026.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed these figures on Friday in Abuja during the monthly briefing on ongoing military operations. He stated that the operations, executed in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups, also resulted in the surrender of 57 insurgents and their family members, while troops recovered 59 weapons and 1,811 rounds of ammunition.

General Onoja emphasized that sustained offensives across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East significantly degraded the operational capabilities of terrorists, kidnappers, armed militias, secessionist groups, and other criminals threatening national security. He noted that the collaborative efforts of the armed forces, other security agencies, and local vigilantes have continued to yield tangible results in protecting lives and property across the country.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded major successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, including the neutralisation of a senior terrorist commander and propaganda chief, Abu Salim al-Barnawi, during a counterattack in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on July 12. Al-Barnawi, who previously led cross-border raids into Cameroon, died alongside members of his mobile media team during a failed attack on a military base in Cross Kauwa. Overall, troops in the theatre neutralized 54 fighters, arrested 102 terrorists, and rescued 102 kidnapped victims. They also dismantled terrorist logistics networks, arrested suspected collaborators, and recorded fresh surrenders among insurgents under sustained military pressure.

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In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma focused on rescuing kidnap victims and neutralizing bandit enclaves across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara states. Troops rescued 191 kidnapped victims, neutralized 33 terrorists, and arrested 66 suspects. They also foiled several kidnapping attempts, recovered arms and improvised explosive device components, and secured dozens of abductees from terrorist camps and attack scenes.

Across the North-Central region, troops under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke sustained pressure on kidnappers, arms traffickers, and militia groups. These operations resulted in the neutralization of 15 terrorists, the arrest of 148 suspects, and the rescue of 53 kidnapped victims, with weapons and ammunition recovered from criminal elements.

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe focused on dismantling illegal refining operations and combating economic sabotage in the Niger Delta. Troops dismantled 18 illegal refining sites, recovered more than 250,500 litres of stolen petroleum products, and arrested suspected kidnappers and economic saboteurs, with illegal refining activities disrupted in Rivers State.

In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka sustained operations against criminals and secessionist agitators, leading to the arrest of 26 suspects, the rescue of 10 civilians, and the recovery of assorted weapons and ammunition.

The Air Component of the armed forces provided critical support to ground operations through precision air interdictions. Successful airstrikes against terrorist targets in Niger State disrupted planned attacks and facilitated rescue operations. Additionally, troops intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics network in Borno, arresting six suspects and recovering materials with potential dual-use applications, including NPK fertilizer and suspected acid. In a separate operation in Yobe State, troops foiled a Boko Haram extortion mission, neutralizing a terrorist driver.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the synergy among the armed forces, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups, particularly in the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. President Bola Tinubu expressed profound relief over the rescue, noting that the victims had spent 56 days in captivity. He commended the intelligence-driven operation that secured their release without collateral damage and led to the arrest of eight abductors. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also celebrated the rescue, calling for continued efforts to free all remaining captives across the country.

General Onoja noted that troops also expanded civil-military cooperation initiatives through peace-building engagements, public health interventions, and community development projects across various operational theatres. He said the Chief of Defence Staff praised the troops for their professionalism and the successes recorded during the month, reaffirming the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

The Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians to continue providing credible information to security agencies through the toll-free emergency line 193, with Onoja encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities promptly, emphasizing that public cooperation is vital to collective security.

Troops Neutralize 102 Terrorists, Rescue 393 Kidnap Victims in July – DHQ