The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, VDM, to provide evidence supporting his allegation that some police officers deployed at checkpoints collaborate with kidnappers and bandits.
The invitation followed comments made by the activist during the recent Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he alleged that some officers stationed at major highway checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and pass information about their identities and movements to criminal groups for possible abductions.
The Force, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, described the allegations as serious and damaging, saying they had not been supported by credible evidence.
“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 statement said.
The police specifically asked Otse to provide evidence showing that officers at checkpoints identify wealthy individuals and transmit information about them to kidnappers to facilitate abductions.
The Force said any evidence submitted would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated, while urging members of the public with credible information about misconduct by police personnel to report such cases through appropriate channels.
According to the police, officers deployed to checkpoints are tasked with preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting citizens, rather than assisting criminal groups.
The Force also noted that police personnel across the country regularly confront kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal elements, with several officers losing their lives in the line of duty.
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“Police personnel have been ambushed, attacked and killed, while police stations, formations and operational assets have equally been targeted by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals,” the statement added.
The police, however, acknowledged that individual officers found to have compromised their duties would face disciplinary action and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.
While cautioning against blanket accusations against its personnel, the Force said unverified allegations could demoralize officers and undermine public confidence in the institution.
It urged Nigerians to distinguish between legitimate criticism aimed at promoting accountability and allegations made without sufficient evidence, particularly on matters concerning national security.
Reacting to the invitation in a video posted on his Instagram page, VeryDarkMan said he would not submit his evidence to the police, insisting that he would wait until he was charged in court before presenting it.
Speaking about his appearance at the Nigerian Bar Association conference, the activist said he attended the event to discuss insecurity and identify those he believed were contributing to insecurity in Nigeria.
He expressed surprise that his comments had prompted calls for his arrest, particularly from Nigerians whom he said were defending the military and police despite frequently criticizing the same institutions.
VeryDarkMan maintained his position that some police officers aid insecurity in the country, while alleging that elements within the military benefit from the persistence of insecurity.
Crediblenewsng.com
