By Sulyman Gobir
The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence for his claim that some officers at checkpoints pass information about travellers to kidnappers and bandits.
The Force made the demand in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Thursday, following remarks attributed to VDM at the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt.
VDM had alleged that police officers stationed at checkpoints on major highways identify wealthy travellers and share information about their identities and movements with kidnappers who later target them for ransom.
The Police described the allegation as serious but said VDM had not provided evidence to support it.
The Force said checkpoint officers have a duty to prevent crime, detect criminal activity and protect citizens across the country.
It also highlights the risks faced by police personnel, saying officers regularly confront kidnappers, bandits, terrorists and other violent criminals.
According to the Force, attacks on police officers, stations, operational formations and equipment have resulted in deaths and significant losses.
It warn that broad allegations against the institution could unfairly implicate thousands of officers who work in difficult and dangerous conditions.
The Police said it would discipline any officer found to have compromised their duties and prosecute such personnel where necessary.
“Where individual officers are found to have compromised their duty, they will face the full weight of internal discipline and the law,” the statement says.
The Force invited VDM to submit any evidence supporting his claims, particularly information showing that checkpoint officers identify wealthy travellers and relay their movements to kidnappers.
It says investigators would treat any credible evidence urgently and conduct a thorough investigation.
The Police also urged members of the public with evidence of misconduct by officers to use established reporting channels.
It notes that credible complaints would be investigated and appropriate action taken where wrongdoing was established.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability but urged the public to exercise caution when making or circulating allegations involving national security institutions.
