Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has rejected a demand by the Nigeria Police Force to provide evidence supporting his allegations that security personnel assist kidnappers and bandits.
VDM made his position known on Thursday in a video posted on Instagram, following an invitation from the police asking him to substantiate his claims.
He said he was prepared to face the authorities but would not hand over his evidence during police questioning. Instead, he challenged the police to charge him in court, where he said his lawyers would defend him.
“I’m not going to be giving the police my evidence. Why would I do that? I would be charged to court, and I would turn down the evidence in court,” he said.
The police had earlier asked VDM to provide evidence for his allegation that officers manning checkpoints on major highways identify wealthy travellers and allegedly pass information about them to kidnappers.
The Force described the allegations as serious and unsubstantiated, warning that such claims could undermine public confidence in the police. It also said credible evidence supplied by VDM would be treated urgently and investigated.
Responding to the invitation, VDM maintained that he would only present his evidence in court.
“So when I get to your office, you charge me to court. I can go to court on that same day. My lawyers are on ground,” he said.
VDM maintains allegations against security agencies
The activist also stood by his broader allegations that security agencies contribute to the persistence of insecurity in Nigeria.
He alleged that the police, military, immigration and customs authorities have knowledge of factors sustaining kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, while questioning why insecurity remains a major problem despite government spending on security.
“It is the police people that aid insecurity. It is the military men that benefit from insecurity. That’s why it can never stop,” Otse alleged.
He also questioned the size of government security budgets and the continued presence of banditry and terrorism across the country.
Despite his criticism, VDM acknowledged the difficult conditions faced by police officers and called for improved welfare for personnel.
“There is no welfare for the Nigerian police. If you want Nigeria’s security to be tightened, you have to take care of our policemen. Take care of them,” he said.
The development follows a series of public comments by VDM on insecurity and the role of government institutions in addressing kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.
