POLICE INVITE VERYDARKMAN, DEMAND EVIDENCE OF CHECKPOINT KIDNAPPING CLAIMS

The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence supporting his allegations that police officers at checkpoints share information about travellers with kidnappers.

The police said the claims were serious and required credible evidence, particularly because they could affect public confidence in security personnel and efforts to address insecurity across the country.

VeryDarkMan reportedly made the allegations while speaking on insecurity, claiming that some security personnel and police checkpoints were involved in activities that enabled kidnappers to target travellers.

The police rejected the allegations and challenged the social media commentator to provide information that could assist authorities in investigating and identifying any officers involved in criminal activities.

The Force said it would not shield any personnel found to have engaged in wrongdoing but stressed that allegations of such a serious nature must be supported with verifiable evidence.

The invitation comes amid renewed public debate about insecurity and the role of security agencies in protecting Nigerians from kidnapping and other crimes.

The police maintained that checkpoints and other security operations were established to protect lives and property and improve surveillance across vulnerable areas.

The development has also renewed discussions about the responsibility of social media influencers and public commentators to provide evidence when making allegations against public institutions or individuals.

VeryDarkMan's response to the invitation and any evidence he provides are expected to determine the next stage of the matter.

The police said credible information from members of the public remained important in supporting investigations and strengthening efforts to tackle insecurity.