Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has responded to the Nigeria Police Force’s invitation over his allegations that some police officers aid kidnappers and bandits.
VDM said he would honour the invitation but would not submit the evidence he claims to have during police questioning.
Instead, he said he would present the evidence in court if the police charge him. The response came on Thursday, August 27, after the police invited him to substantiate claims he made at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt. 
What VDM Said at the NBA Conference
VDM spoke during a panel session at the conference on Tuesday, August 25.
He questioned the effectiveness of security checkpoints on major highways and alleged that some officers use information gathered from travellers to help kidnappers identify potential victims.
He argued that the continued presence of checkpoints had not stopped kidnappings on major routes.
VDM also made broader allegations against security agencies. He claimed that police, military, immigration and customs personnel know more about the people behind some violent crimes than they publicly admit.
His comments drew reactions at the conference and also online.
Press Release by the Nigerian Police Force
The Nigeria Police Force rejected VDM’s allegations in a statement issued on Thursday by its Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.
The Force described the claims as serious, unsubstantiated and damaging to an institution responsible for protecting Nigerians. Police said officers stationed at checkpoints work to prevent crime, detect criminal activity and protect travellers.
The Force also acknowledged that individual officers could compromise their duties. It said officers found guilty of misconduct would face internal disciplinary action and prosecution under the law.
The police therefore invited VDM to provide the evidence behind his allegations so they could investigate the claims. The Force also urged members of the public to report credible evidence of police misconduct through appropriate channels.
SEE ALSO: Police Challenge VeryDarkMan to Prove Claims That Officers Help Kidnappers
Read the full statement released by the Nigeria Police Force below:
VDM‘s Response to the Press Release
VeryDarkMan has responded to the Nigeria Police Force after the agency invited him to provide evidence for his allegations that some security personnel aid kidnapping and insecurity in Nigeria.
In a video, VDM said he was ready to honour the invitation but would not hand over his evidence to the police.
“I’m not going to be giving the police my evidence. I will be charged to court. I will tender the evidence in court.”
The social media personality also questioned how quickly the police responded to his latest allegations.
He compared the response with previous complaints he said he made against police officers, including allegations involving former police spokesperson Jimoh Moshood and the Mohbad case.
According to VDM, authorities took longer to respond to those complaints. He claimed the police only reacted after he continued releasing evidence publicly.
VDM also questioned why authorities had not addressed other allegations he previously raised about police conduct.
He maintained that he stood by his claims and challenged the police to take him to court if they believed his allegations were false.
“I stand by my words,” he said.
VDM further alleged that some police and military personnel benefit from the country’s insecurity. He questioned the government’s spending on counterterrorism while attacks and kidnappings continue.
Despite his refusal to submit his evidence directly to the police, VDM said he was prepared to appear before them.
“I’m very, very ready for you guys. 100%,” he said.
He maintained that he would present the evidence supporting his allegations through the court if the matter proceeds to trial.
See full video:
READ ALSO: From Pure Water to Private Jets: The Rise and Notoriety of VeryDarkMan
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