Police Invite VeryDarkMan Over Allegations Of Officer Complicity In Kidnappings
The Nigeria Police Force has reacted strongly to what it described as “reckless comments” made by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan. Otse allegedly claimed that police personnel are complicit in kidnapping incidents along major highways across the country.
In a statement signed by CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, the police disclosed that the activist made the remarks during the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to the police statement, Otse accused officers manning highway checkpoints of tracking the identity and movement of wealthy travellers. He allegedly claimed this information is systematically leaked to kidnappers and bandits to facilitate abductions for ransom.
Dismissing the claims as unsubstantiated, the police authority insisted that allegations of such gravity demand a strict standard of evidence, which the activist has failed to provide.
Defending the integrity of its personnel, the police command—led by Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu—emphasised the severe risks officers face daily to protect the public.
“For the avoidance of doubt, police personnel deployed to checkpoints nationwide are there to prevent crime, detect criminal activity, and protect citizens, not to facilitate kidnapping,” the statement read.
The Force highlighted that these same officers are frequently targeted by the criminals they are accused of helping. The statement noted that numerous personnel have been ambushed and killed, while police stations and operational assets have been repeatedly attacked by terrorists and kidnappers.
Consequently, the Nigeria Police Force has formally invited Martins Vincent Otse to immediately present the evidence supporting his claims. Specifically, he is expected to provide proof that officers at checkpoints identify high-net-worth individuals and transmit their details to criminal gangs.
The police assured the public that any actionable intelligence will be treated with utmost urgency and investigated thoroughly. The statement concluded by urging citizens to report officer misconduct through official channels rather than making unverified public allegations.
