A coalition of civil society organisations has petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, calling for the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VDM, over alleged cyberstalking, criminal defamation and incitement.
In the petition dated July 21, 2026, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice alleged that Otse had embarked on what it described as a sustained online campaign aimed at tarnishing the image and credibility of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Jimoh Moshood.
The coalition claimed that the social media activist had, in recent weeks, used his digital platforms to circulate what it described as false and defamatory allegations capable of undermining public confidence in the police hierarchy.
According to the group, the alleged online publications extended beyond criticism and amounted to cyberstalking, criminal defamation and acts capable of inciting public hostility against a senior police officer.
The coalition argued that such actions, if left unchecked, could erode respect for law enforcement institutions and negatively affect public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
It maintained that it had previously mobilised its media network to counter what it described as misleading narratives targeting the AIG but stressed that public rebuttals alone would not deter individuals engaging in alleged online misconduct.
The group therefore urged the police authorities to commence an immediate investigation into the allegations, including a forensic review of the suspect’s digital activities and any individuals or groups that may have supported the alleged campaign.
It also called for what it described as the swift arrest of Martins Otse and his prosecution before a court of competent jurisdiction if investigations establish any criminal liability under Nigeria’s applicable laws.
The coalition specifically referenced the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, contending that the alleged actions fall within offences relating to cyberstalking, criminal defamation and conduct capable of causing a breach of public peace.
According to the petition, decisive legal action would reinforce public confidence in the rule of law and serve as a deterrent against what it described as reckless abuse of digital platforms.
The coalition further maintained that attacks directed at senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force should be treated with seriousness because of their potential implications for institutional integrity and national security.
It urged the AIG to ensure that all lawful procedures were activated promptly in handling the matter while allowing the investigation to proceed in accordance with due process.
The organisation also pledged its continued support for lawful efforts aimed at protecting public institutions from misinformation, online harassment and campaigns capable of undermining confidence in government agencies.
The petition was signed by the National Coordinator and Convener of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice, Comrade James Okoronkwo.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from Martins Otse, popularly known as VDM, regarding the allegations contained in the petition. The claims remain allegations, and any investigation or legal proceedings would be subject to due process and judicial determination.