The Nigeria Police Force has officially summoned social media activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, to substantiate claims that certain police officers at highway checkpoints are colluding with kidnappers and bandits.
The summons follows remarks made by the activist at the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
During the conference, VeryDarkMan alleged that officers manning checkpoints along major Nigerian highways profile wealthy travelers and pass their movement details to criminal syndicates.
According to his claims, this alleged information-sharing directly facilitates the abduction of targeted citizens for ransom.
In a formal statement released on Thursday by Force Public Relations Officer Ani Iniedu, the police strongly rejected the claims, labeling them as serious, unsubstantiated, and unfairly damaging.
The institution emphasized that allegations of such gravity require a high standard of verifiable evidence, which has not yet been provided.
Consequently, the Force has urged the activist to present his evidence without delay so that a thorough investigation can be conducted.
The police assured the public that any credible information brought forward would be handled with utmost urgency and transparency.
While defending the integrity of its personnel, the statement highlighted the daily dangers faced by officers deployed nationwide.
The police noted that operatives routinely confront the same violent criminals they are accused of aiding, often resulting in ambushes, casualties, and attacks on police stations and operational assets.
Concluding the statement, the Force cautioned against blanket accusations that could demoralize personnel and erode public trust in national security institutions.
While welcoming legitimate criticism that fosters accountability, the police urged citizens to channel credible evidence of misconduct through proper investigative routes rather than relying on unverified public claims.
