The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the invitation of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and the questioning of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Moshood Jimoh over allegations made by the activist.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Police said the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, had formally invited AIG Jimoh for questioning as part of an internal investigation into the allegations.

The Force also disclosed that it had, on July 30, 2026, issued a letter inviting VeryDarkMan to appear before the FCID to substantiate the claims he made publicly.

According to the Police, the actions demonstrate the Force’s commitment to accountability and due process, stressing that all allegations of misconduct are investigated regardless of the rank of the officer involved or the status of the complainant.

The statement followed recent public allegations made by VeryDarkMan concerning AIG Moshood Jimoh, who heads Police Zone 2 Command, Lagos, and an ongoing criminal matter.

However, the Police clarified that the criminal case referenced by the activist had already been investigated and charged before a court of competent jurisdiction based on legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The Force emphasised that the matter is sub judice, meaning it is before the court and should not be litigated in the media.

“The Force will not try this case in the media, nor will it allow its outcome to be shaped by public campaigns or commentary seeking to prejudge the officers or parties involved,” the statement said.

The Police reaffirmed that disciplinary proceedings within the Force are governed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Police Act 2020, the Police Regulations, Force Orders, and other established administrative procedures.

It added that these rules apply equally to every officer, irrespective of rank or position.

While acknowledging citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and to demand accountability from public institutions, the Police cautioned that such rights do not extend to defamation or the publication of unverified allegations.

The Force urged VeryDarkMan to honour the invitation extended to him and cooperate with investigators while allowing the courts to determine the separate criminal matter.

It further assured Nigerians that any officer found culpable after a thorough investigation would face appropriate disciplinary measures, while individuals found to have deliberately made false allegations capable of damaging the reputation of officers or the institution could also face legal consequences.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains an institution founded on law, discipline and accountability. No officer is above the law, and no genuine complaint is ignored; nor will any officer be sanctioned outside the procedures the law prescribes,” the statement added.

Dozens of residents were seen rushing to scoop petrol from a leaking tanker along the City Gate area of Asaba, Delta State, despite the obvious risk of a fire outbreak or explosion.

Videos circulating on social media platform X on Thursday showed men and women carrying buckets, jerrycans, and other containers as they crowded around the tanker to collect the fuel spilling onto the road.

The tanker reportedly developed a leak while in transit, attracting a large crowd within minutes as residents attempted to gather the highly flammable product.

The exact cause of the leak had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting, and there was no immediate information on casualties or emergency response. 

The incident has renewed concerns over the recurring practice of fuel scooping in Nigeria—a dangerous trend that has repeatedly led to fatal tanker explosions across the country.

Despite frequent warnings from emergency agencies, many residents continue to risk their lives by approaching leaking or overturned fuel tankers in an attempt to collect petrol.

Safety experts have consistently cautioned that petrol vapour is highly combustible and can be ignited by a single spark from a vehicle, electrical device, cigarette, or even static electricity.

This means that even where no visible fire is present, a leaking tanker can become the source of a devastating explosion within seconds.

Emergency management authorities and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have repeatedly advised members of the public to immediately vacate the vicinity of leaking fuel tankers and allow trained responders to secure the area.

Similar warnings have followed previous incidents in Delta State and other parts of Nigeria, where emergency personnel had to cordon off accident scenes to prevent residents from scooping fuel. 

The latest incident also highlights the broader challenge of public risk awareness and economic hardship, which often drives residents to ignore life-threatening dangers in pursuit of free fuel.

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed several tragic tanker explosions after crowds gathered to scoop spilled petroleum products, resulting in significant loss of life and property.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the leak while continuing public awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging the dangerous practice.

The Court of Appeal has overturned a judgment of the Federal High Court that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The appellate court’s decision effectively sets aside the earlier ruling, allowing the affected political parties to retain their registration, subject to the provisions of Nigeria’s electoral laws.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal held that the earlier judgment directing INEC to deregister the political parties could not stand.

The decision reverses the Federal High Court’s order affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and three other political parties.

The appellate court’s full reasoning is expected to provide further clarification on the legal issues surrounding the case.

The case centres on the legal status of the affected political parties and INEC’s powers under Nigeria’s electoral framework.

The judgment is expected to influence the political landscape as parties continue preparations for future elections, including activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Legal analysts say the ruling reinforces the role of the appellate courts in reviewing decisions affecting political parties and electoral administration.

The judgment also means the affected parties remain recognised under the current legal framework unless another court decision or lawful regulatory process provides otherwise.

The Court of Appeal’s decision has significant implications for Nigeria’s political system, preserving the participation of the affected parties in the country’s democratic process while clarifying legal questions surrounding party deregistration.