Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has rejected a request from the Nigeria Police Force to submit evidence supporting his allegation that some security personnel assist kidnappers and bandits.
Otse said on Thursday that he was willing to honour the police invitation but would not hand over his evidence during questioning. Instead, he challenged the police to charge him to court, where he said his lawyers would present the material.
The police had invited the activist after he alleged that officers operating checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and pass information about them to kidnappers. The Force described the allegation as serious and damaging, while saying any evidence provided would be investigated.
Otse maintained his position, saying he saw no reason to give his evidence to the police before any court proceedings. “I’m not going to be giving the police my evidence,” he said in a video posted on Instagram, adding that he was ready to appear in court if the police believed he had committed an offence.
The activist also repeated his broader allegation that security agencies are contributing to Nigeria’s insecurity, naming the police, military, immigration and customs. He questioned why kidnapping, banditry and terrorism remain widespread despite government spending on security.
Otse’s latest confrontation with the police follows his earlier allegations against Assistant Inspector-General of Police Moshood Jimoh over the handling of a case involving businessman Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi. The police confirmed that Jimoh was invited for questioning as part of an internal administrative review, while Otse was also asked to substantiate his claims.
The activist criticised what he described as the police’s slow response to his earlier allegations, saying the Force became more prompt after he released additional material. He also claimed to have raised allegations involving the treatment of suspects, while maintaining that his comments were intended to hold public institutions accountable.
Despite his criticism, Otse acknowledged the difficult working conditions faced by police officers and called for better welfare. He argued that improving the welfare of personnel would strengthen the country’s fight against insecurity.
Otse said he remained ready to face the authorities over his claims and insisted that any evidence he has would be presented in court. The police have yet to publicly announce whether they intend to take further legal action following his latest response.
