Police Challenge VeryDarkMan to Provide Evidence Over Alleged Checkpoint–Kidnapper Link
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has challenged social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence backing his allegation that some police officers manning checkpoints on major highways pass information about travellers to kidnappers and bandits.
The Force said the allegation was made by VDM during the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, where he reportedly claimed that some officers identify wealthy travellers and relay information about their movements to criminal groups to facilitate abductions for ransom.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Police said it takes allegations concerning the conduct of its personnel seriously but described the claims as unsubstantiated and damaging to the reputation of the institution.
The Force maintained that police officers deployed to checkpoints and other strategic locations are tasked with preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting citizens, rather than facilitating kidnapping.
It noted that police personnel operating along highways and in other vulnerable areas routinely confront kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals, with several officers having been attacked or killed in the line of duty.
Police Reject Blanket Accusations
The Force also cautioned against generalising allegations of misconduct to the entire police institution, stressing that hundreds of thousands of officers continue to perform their duties under difficult and often dangerous conditions.
According to the statement, individual officers found to have compromised their duties would face disciplinary measures and prosecution where appropriate.
“Where individual officers are found to have compromised their duty, they will face the full weight of internal discipline and the law,” the Force said, while insisting that the entire institution should not be condemned based on allegations made without supporting evidence.
VDM Asked to Produce Evidence
The Police consequently invited VDM to submit any evidence in his possession regarding the alleged activities of checkpoint personnel.
The Force specifically requested evidence showing that police officers identify wealthy individuals at checkpoints and subsequently transmit their identities or movements to kidnappers to facilitate their abduction.
It assured that any credible information provided would be treated urgently and investigated thoroughly.
The Police also encouraged members of the public who have evidence of misconduct by individual officers to report through appropriate channels to enable investigations and necessary action.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, stressing that credible allegations of misconduct would not be ignored.
It, however, urged Nigerians to distinguish between legitimate criticism, which can strengthen accountability, and unverified claims that could undermine public confidence and potentially affect national security.
The statement was signed by CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, and dated August 27, 2026.
Police Challenge VeryDarkMan to Provide Evidence Over Alleged Checkpoint–Kidnapper Link