The Nigeria Police Force has officially invited social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence supporting his allegation that police officers at checkpoints collude with kidnappers.
The invitation stems from comments VDM made during a panel session at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. He alleged that police officers manning checkpoints along major highways identify wealthy travellers and relay their identities and movements to kidnappers and bandits, thereby facilitating abductions for ransom.
In a statement issued Thursday by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police firmly rejected the allegations as “unsubstantiated and unfairly damaging” to the institution. The Force emphasised that personnel deployed to checkpoints are there to prevent crime and protect citizens, not facilitate kidnapping. It also noted that officers routinely face dangerous conditions, with many having been ambushed, attacked, and killed by criminals.
The police have consequently summoned VDM to produce “without delay” any evidence supporting his claims, particularly proof that checkpoint officers identify wealthy individuals and transmit their details to kidnappers. The Force assured that any credible evidence would be investigated thoroughly.
Responding via Facebook, VDM insisted that “the police are the unknown gunmen” and declared he would only provide evidence if charged to court.