Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has responded to an invitation from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over allegations he made against some police officers during the Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt.
VDM addressed the issue on Thursday after the police invited him to provide evidence supporting claims he made while speaking as a panelist at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
During the conference on Tuesday, the activist alleged that some police officers stationed at checkpoints along major highways provide information about travellers to kidnappers and bandits.
He claimed that such information could include the identities and movements of people passing through the checkpoints.
Following the allegations, the Nigeria Police Force invited VDM to provide evidence to support his claims.
The invitation was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, who said the police considered the allegations serious enough to warrant clarification and evidence.
Responding to the invitation in a post on his official Facebook page, VDM maintained his position and alleged that some personnel within the police force were contributing to the country’s security challenges.
He went further to allege that some police officers were among the unidentified gunmen involved in criminal activities.
“On the Nigerian police I SAID WHAT I SAID, you will get your evidence when I am charged to court.”
The activist said he was prepared to provide the evidence he claimed to possess, but insisted that he would do so through judicial proceedings rather than during the police invitation.
“I repeat THE POLICE ARE THE UNKNOWN gunmen and they aid kidnappings. I’m going to give the police my evidence. I will be charged to court and I will tender the evidence in the court,” he declared.
The development follows VDM’s increasingly outspoken criticism of institutions and public officials over issues ranging from security to governance.
The NBA conference in Port Harcourt provided the latest platform where he raised concerns about the alleged involvement of security personnel in criminal activities.
The police have not established the truth of VDM’s allegations, while the activist has not publicly provided the evidence he says he intends to present in court.
The matter is therefore expected to develop further as the Nigeria Police Force continues its response to the allegations and determines the next steps regarding the invitation.
VDM has maintained his claims, while any criminal or disciplinary liability arising from them would ultimately depend on evidence and the outcome of the appropriate legal process.
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