Why Police Challenged VDM to Prove Highway Checkpoint Kidnap Claims

The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence backing his allegation that some police officers at highway checkpoints pass information about wealthy travellers to kidnappers and bandits.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, made the demand in a statement on Thursday following comments reportedly made by VDM during the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt.

The police described the allegation as serious, saying it required credible evidence, which VDM had yet to provide.

The Force firmly rejected the claim, describing it as unsubstantiated and capable of damaging the reputation of an institution responsible for protecting millions of Nigerians.

According to the police, officers deployed to checkpoints and other strategic locations are tasked with preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting citizens—not facilitating kidnappings.

The Force also noted that police personnel routinely confront the same criminal elements accused of receiving such information, adding that officers have been ambushed, attacked and killed, while police stations, formations and operational assets have also come under attacks by terrorists, kidnappers and other criminals.

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‘Culpable officers will face the law’

The police acknowledged that individual officers could be guilty of misconduct but stressed that such cases would be dealt with accordingly.

“Where individual officers are found to have compromised their duty, they will face the full weight of internal discipline and the law,” the statement said.

The Force, however, cautioned against condemning the entire police institution based on allegations made without evidence.

It consequently invited VDM to submit any material supporting his claims, particularly evidence showing that officers at checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and subsequently transmit their details to kidnappers to facilitate abductions.

The police assured that any credible information submitted would be treated urgently and thoroughly investigated.

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The Force also encouraged Nigerians with evidence of police misconduct to report through appropriate channels to allow for proper investigation and necessary action.

While reiterating its commitment to transparency and accountability, the police warned that unverified allegations concerning national security institutions could undermine public confidence and have wider implications for national security.

The Force urged Nigerians to distinguish between legitimate criticism, which it said promotes accountability, and unsubstantiated claims that could damage trust in security agencies.