The Coalition for Security Awareness and National Stability (CSANS) has condemned what it described as a sustained campaign of defamation and “media trial” against the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Jimoh Moshood, by social media influencer and self-acclaimed human rights activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Ibrahim Musa, on Wednesday in Abuja, the coalition described the repeated attacks on the senior police officer as reckless, malicious and capable of eroding public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
CSANS said it was deeply concerned that VDM had continued to use his social media platforms to make grave allegations against AIG Moshood without allowing the due process of law to determine the issues.
According to the group, AIG Moshood has devoted nearly three decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force, earning a reputation for professionalism, discipline, integrity and exceptional leadership.
“It is unfortunate that an officer of such impeccable record has become the subject of relentless social media attacks designed to malign his reputation and undermine the institution he represents.
“AIG Jimoh Moshood is not an accidental leader. His rise from the junior ranks to becoming Force Public Relations Officer, Commissioner of Police and now Assistant Inspector General of Police is a testament to years of discipline, competence and exceptional service to the nation.
“His records remain available for public scrutiny. Throughout his career, he has distinguished himself as one of the finest officers the Nigeria Police Force has produced,” the statement said.
The coalition also praised Moshood’s tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, describing it as one of the most proactive periods in modern policing in the state.
According to CSANS, under his leadership, Lagos witnessed intensified intelligence-led operations against kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and other violent criminal groups, while community policing and intelligence gathering were significantly strengthened.
“He was never a commissioner who sat behind his desk. He personally led several tactical operations, strengthened intelligence gathering, promoted neighbourhood policing, enhanced community engagement and ensured rapid response to security threats.
“His leadership significantly reduced crime rates across Lagos and restored public confidence in policing. His professionalism earned him admiration not only among police personnel but also among other security agencies and international partners,” the group stated.
While acknowledging that public officials are open to scrutiny, CSANS stressed that allegations against security officers should be handled through constitutionally recognised institutions rather than social media campaigns.
“If anyone believes there were infractions during AIG Moshood’s tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Nigeria has competent courts, investigative bodies and oversight institutions empowered to determine such matters.
“Social media is not a court of law. No individual, irrespective of his popularity, has been appointed judge, prosecutor and executioner over Nigeria’s security institutions,” the coalition said.
The group further expressed concern over what it described as VDM’s recurring confrontations with government institutions and security agencies, citing his public encounters with officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other agencies.
According to CSANS, the repeated public criticism of security institutions without judicial determination of allegations could weaken public trust in law enforcement and embolden criminal elements.
“No nation develops by consistently demonising its security architecture. Constructive criticism is acceptable in a democracy, but deliberate attempts to incite public hostility against security agencies or senior officers without judicial determination are dangerous and counterproductive,” the statement added.
The coalition, however, acknowledged VDM’s campaigns against human rights violations and said it remained open to engaging with him on genuine concerns affecting Nigerians.
“We welcome VDM’s campaigns against human rights violations and we are ready to work with him in handling any genuine issues he raises. But we will also not fold our arms and watch him derail from the very essence of constructive and objective criticism. We shall resist any attempt to reduce our national security architecture to an object of ridicule and mockery,” the statement said.
CSANS called on VDM to desist from what it described as media trials and inflammatory campaigns capable of undermining national security, urging him to allow due process to prevail.
The coalition also urged relevant security and intelligence agencies to remain vigilant and, where legally justified, investigate activities capable of threatening public order or national security.
“Our security agencies, especially intelligence agencies, have a constitutional duty to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions and preserve public peace. Any investigation into individuals or groups should be conducted strictly in accordance with the law and with full respect for constitutional rights.
“A careful investigation might unravel possible sponsors and collaborators of smear campaigns and attacks on security personnel, which are capable of eroding the very essence of our collective security efforts as a people,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its confidence in AIG Jimoh Moshood’s professionalism, CSANS urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in their efforts to safeguard lives and property.
“We must strengthen, not weaken, the institutions responsible for protecting lives and property. National security is too important to become a casualty of social media sensationalism,” the statement concluded.
