The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence for his allegation that some police officers manning checkpoints collude with kidnappers and bandits.
The invitation followed comments made by Otse at the recent Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu.
VeryDarkMan had alleged that police officers at checkpoints along major highways identify wealthy travellers and pass information about their identities and movements to kidnappers, allegedly facilitating their abduction for ransom.
Reacting to the claim, the police described the allegation as serious, unsubstantiated and capable of damaging public confidence in the Force.
The statement said the allegations required credible evidence and urged Otse to produce any information supporting his claims.
“Accordingly, the Nigeria Police Force hereby invites Mr Martins Vincent Otse to produce, without delay, the evidence upon which he based these serious allegations, including any evidence that police personnel at checkpoints identify wealthy individuals and subsequently transmit information about them to kidnappers for the purpose of facilitating their abduction,” the statement said.
The Force assured that any evidence presented by the activist would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.
It also urged members of the public with credible evidence of police misconduct to report such cases through the appropriate authorities instead of relying solely on public allegations.
The police maintained that officers deployed to checkpoints nationwide were tasked with preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting citizens.
It noted that police personnel routinely confront criminal elements and have suffered attacks and casualties while carrying out their duties.
“Indeed, these same police officers routinely confront the very criminal elements alleged to be receiving such information. 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 Force said.
The police further stated that officers found to have compromised their duties would face internal disciplinary action and prosecution in accordance with the law.
While acknowledging the need for legitimate criticism, the Force cautioned against blanket allegations that could demoralise its personnel and undermine public trust.
It urged members of the public to exercise responsibility when making or sharing allegations concerning national security institutions, stressing that credible claims should be backed by evidence and submitted through appropriate channels for investigation.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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