Police Challenge VDM to Provide Evidence of Officers’ Alleged Links to Kidnappers

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

The Force made its position known in a statement issued by its Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, following comments reportedly made by VDM at the Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt.

VDM had alleged that police officers manning checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and allegedly pass information about their identities and movements to criminal groups, who then use the information to facilitate kidnappings for ransom.

Reacting to the allegation, the police said it takes claims concerning the conduct of its personnel seriously but described the specific accusations as unsubstantiated.

According to the Force, allegations of such magnitude require credible evidence and said that no such evidence had been presented to support the claims.

The police maintained that officers deployed to checkpoints and other locations across the country are tasked with preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting citizens rather than facilitating kidnapping.

The Force also pointed to the risks faced by its personnel, noting that police officers have been ambushed, attacked and killed by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals.

It said police stations, formations and operational equipment have equally been targeted by criminal groups.

The Force further rejected what it described as blanket accusations against its personnel, saying hundreds of thousands of police officers continue to perform their duties under difficult and dangerous conditions.

It acknowledged that individual officers who compromise their duties would be subjected to disciplinary measures and prosecution where wrongdoing is established.

However, the police argued that the entire institution should not be condemned based on allegations made publicly without supporting evidence.

The Force subsequently invited VDM to submit the evidence behind his claims, particularly any information showing that officers at checkpoints identify wealthy individuals and subsequently transmit their details or movements to kidnappers.

It assured that any credible evidence submitted would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.

The police also urged members of the public who have evidence of misconduct by officers to report such cases through appropriate channels rather than relying solely on public allegations.

The Force reiterated its commitment to investigating credible allegations of misconduct and taking action against officers found to have violated the law.

It, however, warned against what it described as unverified allegations capable of undermining public confidence in national security institutions.

The police said legitimate criticism remains important for accountability but urged the public to distinguish between criticism supported by evidence and claims that could damage public trust and national security.