VeryDarkMan dares police to charge him over kidnapping claims

Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan

VeryDarkMan dares police to charge him over kidnapping claims

Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has firmly rejected the Nigeria Police Force’s invitation to submit evidence backing his allegation that some security personnel aid kidnapping and banditry, insisting he will only present his proof in a court of law.

The activist made the declaration on Thursday while responding to a police invitation demanding that he substantiate his claims made at the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Port Harcourt. VeryDarkMan had alleged that police officers manning highway checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and relay information about their identities and movements to kidnappers, thereby facilitating abductions for ransom.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, Otse rejected the police request to submit his evidence to them, questioning why he would hand over material that could form the basis of a criminal case against him. He challenged the Force to take legal action if they believed his comments constituted an offence, stating that his lawyers were prepared to represent him immediately.

The activist also repeated his controversial claim that politicians use cattle to launder money, arguing that Fulani herders were victims of political manipulation. He accused Nigerians of defending security agencies after his allegations, despite routinely criticising the police and military over insecurity. Otse said his comments were aimed at holding public institutions accountable and maintained that he stood by his allegations.

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The Nigeria Police Force had earlier issued a statement through its Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, inviting Otse to provide evidence backing his allegations. The Force described the claims as unsubstantiated and unfairly damaging to an institution entrusted with the protection of millions of Nigerians. The police maintained that officers deployed to checkpoints nationwide are assigned to prevent crime and protect citizens, not facilitate kidnapping. They noted that police personnel have been ambushed, attacked, and killed by the very criminal elements they are accused of aiding.

The police said any evidence presented by the activist would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated. They also urged members of the public with credible evidence of police misconduct to approach the appropriate authorities rather than relying solely on public allegations. The Force assured that where individual officers are found to have compromised their duty, they will face internal discipline and prosecution.

Despite the police pushback, Otse refused to withdraw his accusations, alleging that elements within the police, military, immigration, and customs services are contributing to the persistence of insecurity in Nigeria. He questioned why kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism continue despite substantial government spending on security. In one of his responses, he declared that some police personnel are the “unknown gunmen” terrorising the country.

The latest development follows an earlier dispute between Otse and the police over allegations involving Assistant Inspector-General of Police Moshood Jimoh. Otse had accused the AIG of corruption in connection with the investigation of a case involving businessman Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi. The Force previously confirmed that Jimoh had been invited for questioning as part of an internal administrative review, and also invited Otse to substantiate his allegations. The criminal matter linked to the claims was already before a court following advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

Otse criticised what he described as a delayed response by the police to his earlier allegations, saying the Force only reacted more quickly after he released additional material. He alleged that he had released evidence relating to the case, including claims of torture of suspects, but that the police did not initially respond until he released additional material.

Despite his strong allegations, Otse acknowledged the difficult conditions under which many police officers operate and called on the government to improve their welfare. He said his comments were aimed at holding public institutions accountable and maintained that he stood by his allegations.

The presidency also weighed in on the controversy, with the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Sunday Dare, criticising the NBA for providing a platform to Otse. Dare described Otse as a “rabble rouser” who made unguarded and reckless accusations against the police and security agencies.

Otse concluded by reiterating his readiness to face the police in court, insisting that he would only present his evidence in a judicial setting. He declared his willingness to prove that security agencies aid insecurity, banditry, and terrorism in the country, and challenged the police to meet him in court where he would tender his evidence.