Nigerian comedian and social media personality Aderombi Adedayo Martins, popularly known as DeeOne, has criticised Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu over the handling of a police invitation extended to activist Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan.
DeeOne made the comments in a video shared on social media, questioning why VeryDarkMan had allegedly not been arrested after publicly indicating that he would not honour a police invitation.
The controversy follows an invitation issued to VeryDarkMan by the Nigeria Police Force in connection with allegations he made concerning security personnel and Assistant Inspector-General of Police Jimoh Moshood.
DeeOne Questions Police Handling of VDM’s Case
DeeOne argued that law-enforcement authorities should apply the same standards to all citizens, regardless of their popularity or social standing.
He compared VeryDarkMan’s situation with recent cases involving other prominent personalities who, according to him, were arrested after allegedly failing to honour police invitations.
The comedian specifically mentioned former Big Brother Naija housemate Tacha and businessman and social media personality Blord.
DeeOne questioned why similar action had not been taken against VeryDarkMan after the activist publicly stated that he would not appear before the police to submit evidence concerning his allegations.
Allegation Against IGP Disu
Turning his criticism directly toward IGP Tunji Disu, DeeOne alleged that the police leadership had approved VeryDarkMan’s arrest but claimed that the IGP was delaying or preventing the action.
He questioned whether the police chief was acting in the interest of Nigerians or protecting VeryDarkMan.
DeeOne said the same rules should apply to every citizen and challenged the police authorities to explain the apparent difference in the handling of the cases.
However, the allegation that approval had been granted for VeryDarkMan’s arrest has not been independently established. It remains a claim made by DeeOne.
VeryDarkMan Had Rejected Police Demand for Evidence
The dispute follows VeryDarkMan’s public response to a police invitation asking him to substantiate allegations he had made about security agencies and alleged links to kidnapping and banditry.
VeryDarkMan said he was prepared to face the authorities but maintained that he would present his evidence in court rather than during police questioning. He challenged the police to charge him if they believed his statements constituted an offence.
The activist also maintained that his allegations were made in the interest of demanding greater accountability from security institutions.
Police Had Previously Asked VDM to Cooperate
The Nigeria Police Force had earlier confirmed that its Force Criminal Investigation Department invited VeryDarkMan to appear in Abuja to substantiate allegations he had made publicly.
In an August 4 statement, the Force said the invitation formed part of its established investigative and accountability processes. It also urged VeryDarkMan to honour the invitation and participate in the ongoing review.
The police maintained that allegations against officers should be formally investigated and objectively assessed rather than determined through public campaigns.
DeeOne Warns IGP
In his video, DeeOne strongly criticised the IGP and questioned the approach being taken toward VeryDarkMan.
He also challenged Disu to take action against him if he believed his criticism amounted to an offence.
DeeOne further warned that he could continue discussing the matter publicly and suggested that he might raise questions concerning the IGP’s official activities in subsequent videos.
His comments have therefore expanded the controversy beyond the original police invitation to include questions about equality before the law and the discretion exercised by police leadership.
Debate Over Equal Treatment
At the centre of DeeOne’s argument is the question of whether public figures should receive different treatment from ordinary citizens when responding to police invitations.
The comedian cited the cases of Tacha and Blord to argue that failure to respond to police invitations can lead to arrest or other legal action.
However, the circumstances surrounding individual cases can differ depending on the allegations involved, the nature of the invitation, available evidence, court proceedings and other legal considerations.
Consequently, comparisons between cases do not necessarily establish that the police are legally required to take identical steps in every situation.
Police Position Remains Important
The Nigeria Police Force has previously emphasised that it is committed to due process and that no officer or individual should be sanctioned outside established legal and administrative procedures.
The Force has also stated that credible allegations of misconduct will be investigated through its established channels.
As of the latest available information, DeeOne’s allegation that the IGP is personally preventing VeryDarkMan’s arrest has not been independently substantiated.
Growing Public Attention
The dispute has generated additional public attention because both DeeOne and VeryDarkMan have significant social-media followings.
The controversy also highlights the increasingly influential role social media plays in disputes between public personalities and government institutions.
For now, the central issues remain whether VeryDarkMan will eventually respond to the police invitation, whether the Nigeria Police Force will take further action, and how IGP Tunji Disu will respond to DeeOne’s allegations.
The development is expected to remain a subject of public discussion as the police investigation and related issues continue.