Police Summon VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Checkpoint Links to Kidnappers

The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence for his claim that some police officers stationed at checkpoints collaborate with kidnappers and bandits.

The invitation followed remarks made by Otse at the recent Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he alleged that some officers at checkpoints along major highways pass information about wealthy travellers to criminal groups.

According to the activist, such information allegedly includes the identities and movements of wealthy individuals and is subsequently used by kidnappers to target them for abduction and ransom payments.

The police described the allegation as serious and said it could damage the reputation of the force if made without credible evidence.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, said Otse had been asked to produce the evidence supporting his allegations without delay.

The police said any evidence submitted by the activist would be treated seriously and subjected to a thorough investigation.

The Force also urged members of the public who have information about police misconduct to report such cases through appropriate channels so that the allegations can be properly investigated.

According to the police, officers deployed to checkpoints across the country are tasked with preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting members of the public.

The Force further noted that police personnel regularly confront kidnappers, terrorists and other violent criminals, adding that some officers have been attacked and killed while carrying out their duties.

It said police stations, formations and operational facilities have also been targeted by criminal groups.

The police, however, acknowledged that individual officers found to have compromised their responsibilities would face disciplinary action and prosecution where necessary.

The Force cautioned against making broad allegations against its personnel without evidence, saying such claims could undermine public confidence and negatively affect the morale of officers carrying out their duties.

The police maintained that criticism backed by credible evidence can strengthen accountability, but warned that unverified allegations could damage public trust and have wider implications for national security.

The Force therefore called on VeryDarkMan and anyone else with credible information about alleged misconduct to present the evidence to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

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