VDM To Honour Police Invitation as Case Moves To Force Headquarters, Abuja

Social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VDM, has agreed to honour the Nigeria Police Force’s invitation after the case was transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Force Headquarters, Abuja, even as his lawyers insisted that the investigation be conducted transparently to inspire public confidence.

The development followed growing public interest in the matter and calls by legal practitioners for an impartial investigation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Deji Adeyanju & Partners said VDM welcomed the decision of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the concerns he raised and reiterated his willingness to cooperate with lawful authorities.

“Our client has never opposed any lawful investigation. On the contrary, he remains ready, willing and available to honour any invitation lawfully extended to him by the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement said.

The law firm, however, maintained that the investigation should be conducted in a manner that is “transparent, fair and capable of inspiring public confidence.”

It requested that VDM’s legal representatives be allowed to accompany him throughout the interview and that members of the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and other independent observers be permitted to monitor the proceedings.

Separately, VDM expressed concerns that he could be “set up” during the investigation and appealed for additional safeguards.

He requested that the interview be broadcast live by accredited television stations or other recognised broadcast organisations to eliminate any possibility of misinformation or misrepresentation.

He also reiterated his request for the presence of his lawyers and independent observers, stressing that the requests were made in good faith and were not intended to undermine the statutory investigative powers of the police.

Meanwhile, a lawyer from T. O. Teke Law Office has written to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Lagos, demanding greater clarity over the invitation earlier issued to VDM by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, Lagos Annex.