Social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has outlined conditions he wants met before honouring an invitation from the Nigeria Police Force over allegations he made against the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Moshood Jimoh.
VDM’s position was contained in a statement issued through his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, in response to the Nigeria Police Force’s announcement that the activist had been invited by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, to provide evidence supporting his allegations against the senior police officer.
According to the legal team, VDM welcomes the decision by the police to investigate the claims and has no objection to participating in a lawful investigation.
“Our client appreciates the decision of the Nigeria Police Force to commence an official investigation into the concerns he raised and reiterates his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our client has never opposed any lawful investigation. On the contrary, he remains ready, willing and available to honour any invitation lawfully extended to him by the Nigeria Police Force.”
VDM demands transparent investigation
However, the activist’s lawyers argued that the investigation must be conducted in a transparent and accountable manner, given the public interest in the case and the senior position of the officer involved.
According to the statement, VDM has requested that the interview be monitored by independent observers to ensure fairness throughout the process.
His legal team specifically called for representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organisations and other independent observers to be present during the interview.
The statement further requested that the session be held in an open and transparent environment to strengthen public confidence in the outcome of the investigation.
Calls for public access to proceedings
The lawyers also urged the police to allow accredited journalists to cover the proceedings and requested permission for VDM’s legal representatives to make audio and video recordings of the interview.
According to the statement, these measures are intended to ensure that an accurate and complete record of the interaction is preserved.
The legal team further sought assurances that VDM would not be subjected to intimidation, harassment or unlawful detention during or after the interview, insisting that his constitutional rights must be respected throughout the process.
The latest development follows the Nigeria Police Force’s statement on August 4, confirming that VDM had been invited by the FCID to substantiate allegations he made against AIG Moshood Jimoh.
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