If the Allegations Persist, Ask Why
About The Author
The call to protect the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force is one every well-meaning Nigerian should support. However, protecting the institution must never become synonymous with shielding public officers from scrutiny or accountability.
The recent controversy involving Assistant Inspector-General of Police Moshood Jimoh once again raises an important question: Why does his name repeatedly surface in matters that attract public criticism? This is not the first time allegations have been made against him. Whether those allegations are ultimately proven or disproven, the recurring nature of such controversies inevitably raises concerns in the minds of the public.
Every police officer is an ambassador of the Nigeria Police Force. Their conduct, both on and off duty, reflects on the image of the institution they represent. This responsibility becomes even greater for officers who have attained the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and other senior leadership positions. Such officers are expected to embody integrity, professionalism, discipline, and accountability, as they serve as examples to junior officers and symbols of the Force itself.
We also live in an era in which the world has become a global village. Information now travels at unprecedented speed. Citizens who believe they have suffered injustice no longer rely solely on traditional channels to make their voices heard. Social media has provided a platform through which grievances, whether valid or otherwise, can quickly gain national attention. This reality cannot simply be wished away.
Much has been said about the methods employed by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan. Many consider his style unconventional and, at times, confrontational. However, dismissing every allegation because of the messenger does not address the underlying issues. As the saying goes, where there is persistent smoke, there is reason to look for the fire. When similar allegations continue to emerge from different quarters, they should serve as a wake-up call for introspection rather than a trigger for demands to silence critics.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the fight against corruption within the Force. That commitment should remain the guiding principle in every case. If an officer believes the allegations against him are false, the appropriate response is transparency, accountability, and due process—not public sympathy or attempts to portray legitimate scrutiny as an attack on the institution.
Defending the Nigeria Police Force begins with defending its core values. The institution’s reputation is strengthened not by insulating senior officers from criticism but by ensuring that every allegation is objectively investigated and that every officer, regardless of rank, is held to the same ethical standards and the rule of law.
Ultimately, the greatest service any police officer can render to the institution is to faithfully uphold the oath of office, administer justice without fear or favour, and conduct himself or herself in a manner that inspires public confidence. That, not the suppression of criticism, is what truly protects the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
Matthew writes from Osogbo.
