The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence backing his allegation that some police officers at checkpoints collude with kidnappers by providing information about travellers.
The Force made this known in a statement issued on Thursday by its Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, following comments reportedly made by VDM at the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt.
According to the Police, VDM alleged that officers manning checkpoints along major highways identify wealthy travellers and relay information about their identity and movements to kidnappers and bandits, thereby facilitating abductions for ransom.
The Force rejected the allegation as unsubstantiated, stressing that claims of such gravity require credible evidence.
It said police personnel deployed to checkpoints nationwide are mandated to prevent crime, detect criminal activities and protect citizens, rather than facilitate kidnapping.
The statement noted that police officers routinely confront criminal elements on the nation’s highways and elsewhere, adding that many personnel had been ambushed, attacked and killed by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals.
The Police also cautioned against making blanket accusations against its personnel, saying such claims could demoralise the hundreds of thousands of officers who serve under difficult and dangerous conditions.
It, however, acknowledged that individual officers found to have compromised their duties would face disciplinary measures and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Force therefore invited VDM to produce, without delay, any evidence supporting his claims, particularly evidence showing that police personnel at checkpoints identify wealthy individuals and transmit their details to kidnappers.
It assured that any credible information provided would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.
The Police further urged members of the public who have evidence of misconduct by its personnel to report through appropriate channels to enable necessary action.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, while urging the public to distinguish between legitimate criticism and unsubstantiated allegations that could undermine public trust and national security.
