Police invite VeryDarkMan, demand evidence of checkpoint kidnapping claims

The Nigeria Police Force has summoned social media activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, to present evidence supporting his serious allegations of police collusion with kidnappers. The invitation follows Otse's claims, made at a recent Nigerian Bar Association conference, that police officers manning checkpoints identify wealthy travelers and share their information with kidnappers to facilitate abductions.

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The Nigeria Police Force firmly rejects these allegations as unsubstantiated and unfairly damaging to an institution entrusted with the protection of millions of Nigerians.

The Force, through its Public Relations Officer Ani Iniedu, issued a statement rejecting the allegations as "unsubstantiated and unfairly damaging." The police emphasized that claims of such gravity require a corresponding standard of proof, which they stated has not yet been met. They formally invited Otse to "produce, without delay, the evidence upon which he based these serious allegations."

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Allegations of this gravity demand a corresponding standard of evidence, and that standard has not yet been met.

Police officials stated that any evidence provided by the activist would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated. They also urged the public to come forward with credible evidence of police misconduct through official channels, rather than relying solely on public allegations. The Force reiterated that officers deployed to checkpoints are tasked with preventing crime and protecting citizens, not facilitating criminal activities. They highlighted that police personnel frequently confront criminal elements and have suffered casualties in the line of duty.

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Accordingly, the Nigeria Police Force hereby invites Mr Martins Vincent Otse to produce, without delay, the evidence upon which he based these serious allegations, including any evidence that police personnel at checkpoints identify wealthy individuals and subsequently transmit information about them to kidnappers for the purpose of facilitating their abduction.

The police cautioned against making blanket accusations that could demoralize their personnel and undermine public trust. They affirmed that individual officers found to have compromised their duties would face disciplinary measures and legal prosecution. The statement concluded by asserting that the sacrifices of their personnel and the integrity of the institution would not be diminished by unverified claims.

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The sacrifices of our personnel and the integrity of the institution will not be casually diminished by unverified allegations.