The Nigeria Police Force has demanded evidence from social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), after he alleged that some officers at highway checkpoints share travellers’ information with kidnappers and bandits.
The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence backing his allegation that some police officers at checkpoints pass information about travellers to kidnappers and bandits.
The demand followed remarks attributed to VDM at the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, where he alleged that officers at checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and relay information about their identities and movements to criminal groups, thereby facilitating kidnappings for ransom.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Thursday, the police described the allegation as serious but said it remained unsubstantiated and could damage public confidence in an institution responsible for protecting Nigerians.
The Force stressed that allegations of such magnitude require credible evidence, noting that police officers deployed to checkpoints and other locations are mandated to prevent crime, detect criminal activities and protect citizens.
It also highlighted the dangers faced by its personnel, saying several officers had been ambushed, attacked and killed by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals. Police stations, operational formations and security assets have also reportedly come under attacks.
The Force warned against generalising allegations of misconduct to hundreds of thousands of officers serving under difficult and dangerous conditions.
It, however, maintained that any officer found to have compromised their duties would face disciplinary action and prosecution where necessary.
The police subsequently invited VDM to submit any evidence supporting his claims, including information that could establish that checkpoint personnel identify wealthy travellers and share their movements with kidnappers.
The Force assured that any credible information would be treated urgently and thoroughly investigated, while urging members of the public with evidence of police misconduct to report through appropriate channels.
It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability but cautioned the public against making or circulating unsubstantiated allegations capable of undermining trust in national security institutions.