ABUJA, Nigeria — Social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has agreed to honour the invitation extended to him by the Nigeria Police Force after his case was transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Force Headquarters, Abuja. His legal team, however, has insisted that the investigation must be conducted in a transparent and impartial manner to strengthen public confidence in the process.
The development comes amid growing public interest in the case and increasing calls from legal practitioners and civil society groups for a fair and independent investigation. In a statement issued by his lawyers, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, VDM reaffirmed his willingness to cooperate with the police, stressing that he has never opposed any lawful investigation and remains ready to honour any valid invitation issued by the Nigeria Police Force.
While expressing confidence in the transfer of the case to Abuja, the legal team requested that the investigation be conducted openly and in accordance with established legal procedures. The lawyers asked that they be permitted to accompany their client throughout the interview process and further suggested that representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and other independent observers be allowed to monitor the proceedings to ensure fairness and accountability.
VDM also raised concerns about the possibility of being unfairly treated during the investigation. He appealed for additional safeguards, including a request that the interview be broadcast live by accredited television stations or recognised media organisations. According to him, such an arrangement would eliminate any possibility of misinformation, manipulation or misrepresentation of the proceedings. He emphasised that the request was made in good faith and was not intended to undermine the investigative powers of the police.
Meanwhile, another legal representative, T. O. Teke Law Office, wrote to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Zone 2, Lagos, seeking clarification regarding the original invitation issued by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, Lagos Annex. The letter requested details of the alleged offence under investigation, the legal basis for the invitation and information concerning two individuals identified as “Bode” and “Kenny.” It also sought documentary evidence relating to alleged financial transactions and requested clarification regarding reports surrounding one of the individuals mentioned in the matter.
The legal correspondence further argued that because VDM resides in Abuja and the headquarters of the National Cybercrime Centre is located in the Federal Capital Territory, conducting the investigation in Abuja would be more appropriate and would spare him unnecessary inconvenience. That request has effectively been addressed following the decision to transfer the matter to the Force Criminal Investigation Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Legal practitioner Awele Chukwukaumemma also welcomed the transfer, describing it as a step capable of strengthening public confidence in the investigation. Citing the legal principle that no individual should serve as a judge in a matter involving personal interest, she argued that moving the investigation away from the command where the senior police officer connected to the controversy is based would help eliminate concerns about possible bias. She nevertheless advised VDM to continue cooperating with investigators through lawful channels and to communicate any concerns through his legal representatives rather than on social media.
The Nigeria Police Force has yet to publicly respond to the requests made by VDM’s legal team regarding the proposed modalities for the investigation. However, with the matter now before the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja, attention has shifted to how the police will conduct the investigation while balancing due process, transparency and public confidence in the outcome.
