The Nigeria Police Force has asked activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence after he alleged that police officers at checkpoints share travellers’ information with kidnappers and terrorists. VDM made the allegation during a panel session at the ongoing 2026 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He […]

The Nigeria Police Force has asked activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence after he alleged that police officers at checkpoints share travellers’ information with kidnappers and terrorists.

VDM made the allegation during a panel session at the ongoing 2026 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He alleged that officers manning checkpoints along major highways identify wealthy travellers and pass information about their identities and movements to criminal gangs, helping them facilitate abductions for ransom.

The activist also made other comments during the session, including claims concerning the use of cattle for money laundering.

Reacting to the allegation, the Nigeria Police Force described the claims as “unsubstantiated” and said allegations of such seriousness require corresponding evidence.

In a statement signed by Force spokesperson Ani Iniedu, the police said officers deployed to checkpoints and other locations nationwide are tasked with preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting citizens.

The Force said its personnel regularly confront terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals, noting that several policemen have been attacked and killed by criminal elements.

It described VDM’s allegation as a “blanket” claim against hundreds of officers who work under difficult, underfunded and dangerous conditions.

However, the police said individual officers found to have compromised their duties would be investigated and could face disciplinary measures and prosecution if the allegations were established.

The Force therefore invited VDM to submit evidence showing that checkpoint officers identify wealthy travellers and pass their information to kidnappers.

It said any credible evidence submitted by the activist would be treated urgently and investigated thoroughly.

The police also called on members of the public with evidence of misconduct by officers to use appropriate reporting channels.

The Force further cautioned against making or circulating unverified allegations about national security institutions, saying such claims could undermine public trust and potentially endanger national security.

Responding to the police, VDM said he stands by his allegations and is prepared to appear before the Force.

In a video posted on Facebook on Thursday, he said he would not submit his evidence directly to the police but would present it in court if he was charged.

“My lawyers are on the ground. I can see a lot of Nigerians celebrating that I’ll be arrested. It’s really crazy,” he said.

VDM said his appearance at the NBA conference gave him an opportunity to speak openly about insecurity and identify the institutions and individuals he believes are contributing to the problem.

He maintained that he was proud to have made the allegations and insisted that he stood by his words.

“I’m proud of myself that right in their faces I said what I had to say and told them that the insecurity going on in Nigeria is aided by them. I stand by my word,” he said.

The activist went on to accuse the police and military of benefiting from insecurity, while also mentioning immigration and customs.

He alleged that security agencies, governors and politicians know what is happening in the country and benefit from the situation.

VDM said he was ready to face legal action over his allegations and challenged the security agencies he mentioned to charge him to court.

“All these security agents that I mentioned can charge me to court. But for the police, I am ready for you,” he said.