Media Attacks on AIG Moshood: Group Warns VDM Against Weakening National Security

Media Attacks on AIG Moshood: Group Warns VDM Against Weakening National Security

From our journalist

Abuja (Core Reporters) – A leading security advocacy organisation, the Coalition for Security Awareness and National Stability (CSANS), has condemned what it described as a sustained smear campaign and media trial by social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), against the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, AIG Jimoh Moshood.

In a statement signed on Wednesday in Abuja by its national coordinator, Comrade Ibrahim Musa, the group described the alleged attacks on the senior police officer as reckless and malicious, warning that they could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.

CSANS expressed concern that VDM would continue to use its social media platforms to make serious allegations against the police officer without allowing due process and relevant investigative institutions to determine the matter.

According to the coalition, AIG Moshood has dedicated nearly three decades to serving Nigeria, rising through the ranks of the Nigerian Police Force through what it described as dedication, professionalism and exceptional performance.

“It is unfortunate that an officer with such an impeccable record has become the subject of relentless social media attacks designed to smear his reputation and undermine the institution he represents,” the group said.

He added that Moshood’s progression from junior ranks to positions including Public Relations Officer, Commissioner of Police and Assistant Inspector General of Police was evidence of years of service and professional experience.

The coalition also recalled Moshood’s tenure as police commissioner in Lagos state, describing it as a period marked by intensified security operations against criminal gangs, cultists, kidnappers, armed robbers and other violent offenders.

“He has never been a commissioner sitting behind his desk. He personally led several tactical operations, strengthened intelligence gathering, promoted community policing, strengthened community engagement and ensured rapid response to security threats,” the statement read.

CSANS argued that public officials and security institutions should be subjected to legitimate scrutiny, but argued that allegations of wrongdoing should be pursued through constitutionally recognized institutions rather than through social media campaigns.

“If anyone believes that there were any wrongdoings during AIG Moshood’s tenure as Police Commissioner 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, regardless of his popularity, has been appointed as a judge, prosecutor and executioner of Nigeria’s security institutions,” the group said.

The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as VDM’s alleged clashes with government institutions and security agencies.

It cited reported meetings involving officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), as well as criticism and clashes involving personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to the group, such clashes could have implications for public perception of law enforcement.

CSANS warned that persistent campaigns to ridicule or discredit security institutions could undermine citizens’ trust in the agencies responsible for maintaining law and order.

“No nation develops by constantly demonizing its security architecture. Constructive criticism is acceptable in a democracy, but deliberate attempts to incite public hostility against security agencies or senior officials without judicial determination are dangerous and counterproductive,” the group said.

The coalition, however, said it was willing to work with VDM on real human rights issues.

“We welcome VDM’s campaigns against human rights violations and stand ready to work with him in dealing with any concrete issues he raises. But we will not fold our arms and watch him derail from the very essence of constructive and objective criticism.

“We will resist any attempt to reduce our national security architecture to an object of ridicule and derision,” he added.

CSANS therefore called on the VDM to desist from what it described as media trials and incendiary campaigns capable of undermining public trust in security institutions.

“It is time for Martins Otse to show restraint and allow due process to prevail. Freedom of expression comes with responsibilities and must not be used as a weapon to damage reputations or weaken public institutions,” the coalition said.

The group also urged relevant security and intelligence agencies to remain vigilant and, where legally justified, investigate activities that could threaten 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 of individuals or groups should be conducted strictly in accordance with the law and in full respect of constitutional rights,” the statement read.

The coalition added that any such investigation, where warranted, should determine whether there are individuals or groups behind alleged smear campaigns against security personnel, while underlining the need to respect constitutional rights and due process.

CSANS reaffirmed its confidence in the professionalism of AIG Jimoh Moshood and urged Nigerians to continue to support the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies in their efforts to protect lives and property.

“We must strengthen, not weaken, the institutions responsible for protecting life and property. National security is too important to become a victim of social media sensationalism,” the statement concludes.