The Nigeria Police Force has publicly challenged social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to substantiate his claim that some police officers at highway checkpoints pass information about wealthy travellers to kidnappers and bandits. Police spokesperson CSP Ani Iniedu issued the challenge in a statement on Thursday morning, August 27, describing the allegation as "unsubstantiated" and harmful to an institution responsible for protecting millions of Nigerians.
Allegation Made at NBA Conference in Port Harcourt
VDM reportedly made the claim at the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, alleging that officers manning checkpoints along major highways identify high-value travellers and relay their movements to criminal groups. The activist's remarks have sparked widespread debate, but the police have responded firmly, demanding proof rather than allowing the accusation to stand unchallenged.
The Force said officers at checkpoints and across the country are deployed specifically to prevent crime, detect criminal activity, and keep citizens safe. It pointed to the dangers those officers face daily, noting that many have been attacked and killed by kidnappers, terrorists, and other violent criminals. Police stations, formations, and operational assets had also come under attack by criminal groups, the Force added.
Police Defend Checkpoint Officers' Sacrifice
The statement urged the public not to paint all officers with the same brush. "The Nigeria Police Force is made up of hundreds of thousands of officers who report for duty daily under difficult, underfunded, and often dangerous conditions," it read, adding that many of those deployed to checkpoints operate in areas exposed to the very criminals they are trying to stop.
While pushing back on the allegation, the Force made clear it would act on any credible information of officer misconduct. "Any such information will be treated with urgency and investigated thoroughly," the statement said. The police specifically invited VDM to come forward and submit whatever evidence he holds. Officers found to have compromised their duties would face appropriate punishment, the Force said, but it maintained that the institution as a whole should not be condemned on the basis of an unverified claim.
Police Invite Evidence and Public Cooperation
Members of the public with credible evidence of misconduct were also encouraged to report through the appropriate channels to enable investigations and legal action. The police drew a line between criticism that promotes accountability, which it said it welcomes, and allegations that could damage public trust in national security institutions without any factual foundation.
The development comes as the police continue to face scrutiny over their operations, particularly at checkpoints, which have been a recurring point of tension between officers and the public. The Force's response to VDM's claim signals its readiness to defend its personnel while leaving the door open for accountability if evidence emerges.
