Photo: Martins Otse, VeryDarkMan
By Mandy Park
The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence supporting allegations he made against police officers at the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt.
VDM had reportedly alleged during the conference that some police officers manning checkpoints along major highways identify wealthy travellers and allegedly pass information about their identities and movements to kidnappers and bandits, thereby facilitating abductions for ransom.
Reacting to the allegation, the Police Force, in an invitation signed by its Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on August 27, 2026, described the claim as serious, unsubstantiated and damaging to the institution.
The Force said allegations of such magnitude required corresponding evidence, stressing that police officers deployed to checkpoints and other locations across the country were tasked with preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting citizens.
According to the police, its personnel routinely confront the same criminal elements they are being accused of assisting, noting that officers have been ambushed, attacked and killed by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals.
The Force also defended the integrity of the majority of its personnel, saying hundreds of thousands of police officers continue to perform their duties under difficult, underfunded and dangerous conditions.
It said blanket accusations against the entire Force could demoralise officers who were working to protect Nigerians and unfairly tarnish the image of those serving with integrity.
However, the police acknowledged that individual officers found to have compromised their duties would face disciplinary measures and prosecution in accordance with the law.
“Where individual officers are found to have compromised their duty, they will face the full weight of internal discipline and the law,” the statement said.
The Force therefore invited VDM to appear and produce the evidence upon which he based his allegations, particularly any information showing that police personnel at checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and subsequently transmit their details to kidnappers for the purpose of facilitating their abduction.
The police assured that any credible evidence presented would be treated with urgency and subjected to thorough investigation.
The Force also called on members of the public who have evidence of police misconduct to use appropriate channels to report such incidents, rather than relying solely on public allegations.
It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, saying credible allegations of misconduct would be investigated regardless of where they originated.
The police, however, urged Nigerians to exercise caution and responsibility when making or sharing allegations involving national security institutions, warning that unsubstantiated claims could undermine public confidence and have implications for national security.
The invitation comes amid continuing public concerns over kidnapping, banditry and other forms of insecurity across Nigeria, with highways and other major transport corridors remaining vulnerable to criminal attacks in some parts of the country.
The police maintained that legitimate criticism of its operations was welcome and could strengthen accountability, but insisted that serious allegations against its personnel should be supported by credible evidence.
