The convener of the Police Integrity Movement, Isaiah Ijele, has accused social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, of misleading the public over comments he made about the police investigation into the deaths of Sheriff Salami and Ademola Akinloye.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Thursday Ijele said the activist’s claims distorted the facts of a matter that is already before a competent court.
“VeryDarkMan lied to the public, and it is imperative that we set the record straight on an issue that is going on before a competent court of jurisdiction.”
Ijele explained that the murder cases dated back to 2023 and 2024 respectively, alleging that the investigation remained dormant for years until the Inspector-General of Police intervened after receiving a petition from the victims’ families.
“This same Zone 2 that he is talking about sat on that investigation for almost three years… not a single arrest was made until the IG stepped in.”
According to him, the Inspector-General directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police to take over the investigation, leading to the arrest of suspects within weeks. He maintained that the investigation covered both Sheriff Salami and Ademola Akinloye, contrary to the impression created by VeryDarkMan.
Addressing allegations that suspects were tortured into confessing, Ijele declined to discuss evidence before the court, insisting that the judicial process should be allowed to determine the facts.
“I am not to present such court evidence before the public; it is before the court. Let’s allow the court… come out with the judgment.”
He also dismissed claims that the police invitation issued to VeryDarkMan was intended to intimidate or trap him, arguing that the invitation followed petitions submitted by individuals who alleged they had been defamed.
“The invitation was not a malicious invitation.”
Ijele further stated that the Cybercrime Centre’s invitation was separate from an earlier invitation issued by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), stressing that both were legitimate and should be honoured.
“These are separate invitations extended to VeryDarkMan, and he has to honor it. If he refuse to honor it, the police can do the needful.”
He concluded that while citizens have the right to seek justice and hold public institutions accountable, no individual should place themselves above the law, emphasizing that the courts should be allowed to determine the outcome of the case.
Ojo Triumph
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