By Seyi Odewale
The Nigeria Police Force has demanded concrete evidence from social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to substantiate his claim that some police officers at checkpoints allegedly pass information about travellers to kidnappers and bandits.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday, following remarks reportedly made by Otse at the Nigerian Bar Association Conference in Port Harcourt.
The Police described the allegation as serious but unsupported, warning that accusations capable of damaging the reputation of an institution should be backed by verifiable facts.
According to the Force, personnel deployed to checkpoints and other strategic locations are assigned to deter criminal activities, gather intelligence and protect members of the public, rather than assist criminal groups.
The Police, however, acknowledged that any officer found to have abused his or her position or collaborated with criminals would be subjected to disciplinary measures and prosecution where evidence warrants such action.
It rejected the suggestion that allegations involving individual officers should be extended to the entire police establishment, stressing that thousands of personnel continue to perform their duties under difficult and dangerous circumstances.
The Force said its officers regularly engage kidnappers, terrorists and other violent criminals, adding that some personnel have paid the ultimate price or sustained injuries while protecting communities.
The Police consequently challenged VeryDarkMan to produce any information showing that officers at checkpoints deliberately identify affluent travellers and transmit their details to criminal groups for possible abduction.
“Any credible information provided will be treated urgently and thoroughly investigated,” the Force said.
It urged the activist and other members of the public with evidence of police misconduct to make such information available through established reporting channels.
The Force said credible complaints and constructive criticism could help expose wrongdoing and improve accountability within the institution.
However, it warned that allegations without supporting evidence could damage public confidence in law enforcement and potentially create security concerns.
The Police reiterated its readiness to investigate credible allegations against its personnel, while urging Nigerians to distinguish between legitimate scrutiny of police conduct and sweeping claims that are not supported by evidence.
