BREAKING: Police summon VeryDarkMan over alleged claims of officers aiding kidnappers
The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence backing his allegation that police officers stationed at checkpoints along major highways pass information about travellers to kidnappers and bandits.
The Force made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday by its Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, following comments reportedly made by VDM at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt.
The police described the allegation as serious, stressing that claims of such nature should be supported with credible evidence, which it said had not been presented.
The Force said it “firmly rejects” the allegation, describing it as unsubstantiated and damaging to an institution tasked with protecting millions of Nigerians.
According to the police, officers deployed to checkpoints and other strategic locations across the country are responsible for preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting citizens, rather than assisting kidnappers.
The Force added that its personnel regularly confront the same criminal elements allegedly receiving such information from corrupt officers.
It noted that police officers have been ambushed, attacked and killed, while police stations, formations and operational equipment have also come under attacks by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals.
Police vow to sanction culpable officers
The Force acknowledged that individual officers found to have compromised their duties would be held accountable.
“Where individual officers are found to have compromised their duty, they will face the full weight of internal discipline and the law,” the police said.
However, it maintained that the entire institution should not be condemned based on allegations that have not been backed by evidence.
The police consequently invited VDM to submit any information supporting his claims, particularly evidence showing that officers at checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and pass their details to kidnappers to facilitate abductions.
“Any such information will be treated with urgency and investigated thoroughly,” the Force said.
It also encouraged members of the public with credible evidence of police misconduct to report through the appropriate channels for investigation and necessary action.
The Force reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, saying credible allegations of misconduct would continue to be investigated regardless of their source.
However, it warned against spreading what it described as unverified allegations that could undermine public confidence in security agencies and potentially affect national security.
The police urged Nigerians to distinguish between constructive criticism, which can strengthen accountability, and unsubstantiated claims that could damage public trust in security institutions.