Social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has rejected the Nigeria Police Force’s demand that he provide evidence to support his allegations that security personnel aid kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria.
Otse, who addressed the police invitation in a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, said he was willing to face the authorities but would only present his evidence if the matter was taken to court.
He challenged the police to charge him if they believed his allegations constituted an offence, adding that his lawyers were prepared to defend him.
“I’m not going to be giving the police my evidence. Why would I do that? I would be charged to court, and I would turn down the evidence in court,” he said.
The development followed an invitation from the Police Force earlier on Thursday, asking Otse to substantiate his claim that officers manning checkpoints on major highways identify wealthy travellers and allegedly pass information about them to kidnappers.
The police described the allegations as serious and unsubstantiated, warning that they could undermine public confidence in the institution. The Force, however, said any credible evidence provided by Otse would be treated urgently and investigated.
Responding to the invitation, Otse said he would not disclose his evidence during police questioning.
“So when I get to your office, you charge me to court. I can go to court on that same day. My lawyers are on ground,” he said.
Otse also maintained his broader allegation that security agencies contribute to the persistence of insecurity in the country.
He accused the police, military, immigration and customs authorities of knowing factors sustaining kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, while questioning why insecurity had continued despite government spending on security.
“It is the police people that aid insecurity. It is the military men that benefit from insecurity. That’s why it can never stop,” he alleged.
The activist said he would continue speaking about issues affecting the country regardless of the consequences, insisting that his comments were aimed at demanding accountability from public institutions.
He, however, acknowledged the difficult conditions faced by many police officers and called for improved welfare for security personnel.
“There is no welfare for the Nigerian police. If you want Nigeria’s security to be tightened, you have to take care of our policemen. Take care of them,” he said.