The Nigeria Police Force has invited activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence for his claim that some police officers at checkpoints share travellers’ information with kidnappers and terrorists.
VeryDarkMan made the allegation during a panel session at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He claimed officers at checkpoints along major highways identify wealthy travellers and pass information about their movements to criminal groups, allegedly helping them target victims for ransom.
The police have rejected the allegation as “unsubstantiated”, arguing that claims of such seriousness must be backed by credible evidence. In a statement signed by the Force spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, the NPF said officers deployed across the country are responsible for preventing crime, detecting criminal activity and protecting citizens.
The force also pointed to the risks faced by its personnel, saying police officers regularly confront kidnappers, terrorists and other violent criminals. It said several officers have been attacked and killed by the same criminal elements they are accused of assisting.
However, the NPF said it would investigate any specific allegation of misconduct against individual officers and take disciplinary or legal action where wrongdoing is established. It warned that an entire institution should not be condemned based on allegations made publicly without supporting evidence.
The police have therefore asked VeryDarkMan to submit any evidence showing that checkpoint officers identify wealthy travellers and pass their details to kidnappers for the purpose of facilitating abductions. The force said credible information provided would be treated urgently and investigated thoroughly.
VeryDarkMan has responded that he stands by his allegations and is prepared to face the police. He said, however, that he would not hand his evidence directly to the force, insisting that he would present it in court if he were charged.
The activist also accused several security agencies, politicians and state governors of benefiting from Nigeria’s insecurity, while maintaining that he was prepared to face legal action over his claims. The dispute now places the focus on whether the allegations can be backed by verifiable evidence and what action authorities will take if such evidence is produced.
