Police challenge VDM: Show evidence of officers aiding kidnappers

The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence for his allegation that police officers at checkpoints on major highways pass information about travellers to kidnappers and bandits.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday following comments reportedly made by VDM at the Nigerian Bar Association Conference in Port Harcourt.

The police said the allegation was serious but had not been backed by evidence, describing it as unfairly damaging to an institution responsible for protecting Nigerians.

The Force said officers deployed to checkpoints were tasked with preventing crime and protecting citizens, adding that many had been attacked and killed by terrorists, kidnappers and other criminals.

It, however, said officers found guilty of misconduct would be punished.

“Where individual officers are found to have compromised their duty, they will face the full weight of internal discipline and the law,” the Force said.

The police urged VDM to submit any evidence showing that officers identify wealthy travellers at checkpoints and pass their details to kidnappers to facilitate abductions.

“Any such information will be treated with urgency and investigated thoroughly,” the Force said.

It also urged Nigerians with credible evidence of police misconduct to report through appropriate channels, while warning against unverified allegations that could undermine public confidence in security institutions.