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

Where did Nigeria’s fuel subsidy savings go? FG reveals how funds were spent

The Federal Government has said savings generated from the removal of the fuel subsidy and reforms in the foreign exchange market have largely been used to meet rising debt-servicing obligations, fund higher workers’ wages, support the student loan scheme and cover other critical public expenditures.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this at the 7th African Emerging Markets Forum in Abuja, where he also promised that the government would soon publish a detailed breakdown of how the savings from the reforms have been utilised.

Oyedele acknowledged growing public concern over the fate of the funds, describing questions about the use of the subsidy savings as legitimate.

He said the government had a responsibility to provide Nigerians with a clear explanation of how the resources generated by the reforms had been deployed.

According to the minister, the combined cost of the former petrol subsidy and what he described as an implicit subsidy in the foreign exchange system was equivalent to about five per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the reforms were introduced.

However, he explained that the money freed by the reforms was not left unused because the government faced higher financial obligations, including increased debt-servicing costs and rising public expenditure.

Oyedele said part of the savings was used to address the government’s Ways and Means obligations and finance spending that had previously been supported through monetary financing.

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He explained that before the reforms, the government relied partly on money creation to fund expenditure, but ending the practice meant that the government had to secure alternative financing to meet existing obligations.

According to him, the reforms contributed to higher inflation and interest rates, increasing the cost of government borrowing and debt servicing.

He said borrowing costs that were previously around eight per cent had risen to as much as 24 per cent, placing additional pressure on public finances.

“When you need to service debts, you do not debate whether you need to pay. You pay, and you pay on time,” Oyedele said.

The minister also said the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 had significantly raised the Federal Government’s wage bill.

He explained that the higher wage structure had nearly doubled the government’s personnel costs, making it one of the major areas where public spending had increased following the reforms.

Oyedele added that the government had expanded funding for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides tuition support and monthly upkeep allowances to eligible students.

According to him, the student loan programme has grown to cover more than 1.5 million students, increasing government expenditure on education and youth support.

He stressed that the primary objective of removing fuel and foreign exchange subsidies was not only to generate savings but also to eliminate economic distortions, reduce inefficiencies and address opportunities for abuse within the previous systems.

The Federal Government has maintained that the reforms were necessary to improve fiscal sustainability, reduce pressure on public finances and create a more transparent economic framework.

However, the reforms have also contributed to higher fuel, transportation and living costs, with many households and businesses continuing to experience pressure from inflation and reduced purchasing power.

The government’s planned publication of a detailed account is expected to provide greater clarity on the amount generated from the reforms, how the funds were allocated and the extent to which the resources were used for debt payments, wages, education and other public obligations.

The disclosure is also expected to address public concerns over whether the fiscal gains from the removal of the fuel subsidy have translated into improved public services, infrastructure, social protection and better living conditions.

An earlier assessment by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted that Nigeria’s economic reforms had helped improve macroeconomic stability, strengthen investor confidence and reduce some fiscal and monetary pressures. The IMF, however, also said poverty and food insecurity remained significant concerns, highlighting the need for stronger social protection and inclusive economic growth. (IMF)

Oyedele said the government would not measure the success of its economic reforms solely through headline GDP growth.

Instead, he said the government would focus on reducing multidimensional poverty, increasing real income per capita and narrowing income inequality.

He maintained that the long-term goal of the reforms was to build a more stable and sustainable economy while ensuring that economic growth leads to improved living standards for a broader section of the population.

The minister assured Nigerians that the detailed report on the use of the subsidy savings would be released in the coming days as part of the government’s commitment to transparency and public accountability. (reuters.com)

Where did Nigeria’s fuel subsidy savings go? FG reveals how funds were spent