A coalition of civil society organisations has petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, demanding the immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution of social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, VDM, over alleged cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and incitement.
In a petition dated July 21, 2026, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity, and Justice alleged that Otse had, in recent weeks, used his social media platforms to publish what it described as “false, malicious, and defamatory” content aimed at discrediting the AIG and undermining the authority of his office.
The coalition claimed that the social media activist’s actions amounted to offences under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, alleging cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and conduct capable of causing a breach of public peace.
According to the petition signed by the coalition’s National Coordinator and Convener, Comrade James Okoronkwo, the group had previously mounted media campaigns to counter what it described as misinformation against the police chief but insisted that media responses alone were insufficient.
The coalition urged the police to immediately arrest Otse through the appropriate tactical units or the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NPF-NCCC, carry out a comprehensive forensic investigation into his online activities and alleged sponsors, and prosecute him before a court of competent jurisdiction.
It argued that taking legal action would serve as a deterrent to individuals who use social media to attack public officials without evidence.
“A threat to the integrity of a high-ranking officer of the Nigeria Police Force is a threat to national security,” the coalition stated, urging the police to “deploy the full weight of the law without delay.”
The group also pledged its continued support to the police through media advocacy and civil society engagement as the matter progresses.
As of the time of filing this report, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition, while the Nigeria Police Force had yet to announce any action on the coalition’s request.
