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

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

By  Our Reporter

Abuja (Core Reporters) — A foremost security advocacy organisation, the Coalition for Security Awareness and National Stability (CSANS), has condemned what it described as a sustained campaign of defamation 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 by its National Coordinator, Comrade Ibrahim Musa, on Wednesday in Abuja, the group described the alleged attacks on the senior police officer as reckless and malicious, warning that they could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.

CSANS expressed concern that VDM had allegedly continued to use his social media platforms to make serious allegations against the police officer without allowing due process and relevant investigative institutions to determine the issues.

According to the coalition, AIG Moshood has devoted nearly three decades to the service of Nigeria, rising through the ranks of the Nigeria Police Force through what it described as dedication, professionalism and outstanding performance.

“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,” the group said.

It added that Moshood’s progression from the junior ranks to positions including Force 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 Commissioner of Police 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 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,” the statement said.

CSANS maintained that public officials and security institutions should be subjected to legitimate scrutiny but argued that allegations of wrongdoing should be pursued 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 group stated.

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

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

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

CSANS warned that persistent campaigns aimed at ridiculing or discrediting security institutions could weaken citizens’ confidence in agencies responsible for maintaining law and order.

“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 group said.

The coalition, however, said it remained open to working with VDM on genuine human rights concerns.

“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,” it added.

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

“It is time for Martins Otse to exercise restraint and allow due process to prevail. Freedom of expression carries responsibilities and must not be weaponised to damage reputations or weaken public institutions,” the coalition stated.

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

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

CSANS reaffirmed its confidence in AIG Jimoh Moshood’s professionalism and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in their efforts to protect 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.