The Security Situation Room has called for the arrest, investigation and prosecution of social media commentator, Martins-Vincent Otse, popularly known as VDM, over his alleged claim that the Nigerian Army and Police connive with kidnappers.
The group made the demand in a statement signed by its Convener, Douglas Ogbankwa, titled, “Apology Is Not an Eraser: Accountability Must Prevail.”
The statement followed an apology reportedly issued by VDM over comments he made at the Nigerian Bar Association National Conference.
The Security Situation Room said the apology did not absolve him of responsibility, insisting that his comments should be subjected to legal scrutiny.
It stated, “Apology does not erase a crime. It is an admission of culpability.”
According to the group, VDM’s claim that “the Army and the Police connive with kidnappers” was reckless and unsubstantiated.
It added that making such an allegation at a national forum could undermine public confidence in the country’s security institutions.
The statement read, “Such statements, made on a national platform, are not mere opinions. They strike at the heart of national security institutions and public trust.”
On the legal implications of the remarks, the group said the alleged utterances fell within the purview of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
It said, “His utterances fall squarely within the purview of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 as Amended. Specifically, the dissemination of false information likely to cause panic, and statements capable of inciting disaffection against constituted authority.”
The organisation acknowledged the right of citizens to criticise the government and security agencies but argued that such freedom should not extend to what it described as reckless, damaging and unverified allegations.
“In a democracy governed by law, freedom of speech does not include the freedom to defame and destabilize,” it stated.
The group therefore demanded that VDM be arrested, thoroughly investigated and arraigned before a competent court.
It further called for his conviction and imprisonment if found guilty in accordance with the law.
The statement added, “No citizen, no matter how popular, is above the law. The law must take its course to serve as a deterrent to others.”
The Security Situation Room also called on relevant security and prosecutorial agencies to act swiftly on the matter.
“We call on the relevant security and prosecutorial agencies to act swiftly. Silence in the face of such allegations is tantamount to endorsement,” the group said.
