The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media activist Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, to present evidence supporting his claim that some police officers at checkpoints conspire with kidnappers and bandits.
The Force, in a statement issued on Thursday by Ani Iniedu, the Force public relations officer, said it had taken note of Otse’s comments at the recent Nigerian Bar Association convention in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.
VeryDarkMan claimed that police officials stationed at checkpoints on key highways recognize wealthy travelers and provide information about their identities and movements to kidnappers, aiding their kidnapping for ransom.
In reaction, the police described the allegation as serious, unsubstantiated, and unfairly damaging to the institution.
The statement said, “The Nigeria Police Force firmly rejects these allegations as unsubstantiated and unfairly damaging to an institution entrusted with the protection of millions of Nigerians. Allegations of this gravity demand a corresponding standard of evidence, and that standard has not yet been met.
“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 Force stated that any evidence presented by the activist would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.
It recommended members of the public who had genuine proof of police misconduct to contact the appropriate authorities rather than relying exclusively on public complaints.
The police stated that personnel stationed at checkpoints across the country were supposed to prevent crime, detect criminal activity, and safeguard individuals, not to enable kidnappings.
According to the statement, police officers constantly meet criminal elements and have been attacked and injured in the course of their jobs.
The police said, “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 further stated that if individual officers were found to have violated their obligations, they would face internal disciplinary action as well as legal prosecution.
It did, however, warn against making broad accusations that could demoralize its employees and erode public trust in the institution.
“The sacrifices of our personnel and the integrity of the institution will not be casually diminished by unverified allegations. Anyone with credible evidence of misconduct should bring it forward through the appropriate channels for investigation in accordance with the law.
“The Force calls on members of the public to exercise responsibility in making and sharing allegations concerning national security institutions and to distinguish between legitimate criticism, which strengthens accountability, and unsubstantiated claims, which can endanger public trust and national security,” the police said.
