ABUJA — August 27, 2026: The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media activist **Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to produce evidence backing his allegation that some police officers stationed at highway checkpoints provide travellers’ information to kidnappers and bandits.
VDM reportedly made the allegation while speaking at the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, where he discussed insecurity and the activities of security agencies.
According to reports, VDM alleged that some officers at checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and subsequently pass information about their identities and movements to criminal groups, allegedly facilitating kidnappings for ransom.
Police: Produce the Evidence
Reacting to the allegation, the Police Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, described the claims as unsubstantiated and damaging to the reputation of the police institution.
The Force has consequently called on VDM to immediately provide verifiable evidence supporting his claims, stressing that allegations of such gravity require corresponding evidence. The police said any credible evidence submitted would be investigated.
The police also defended officers deployed to checkpoints, noting that personnel operate in difficult and dangerous environments and are themselves exposed to attacks along major highways.
VDM Now Under Pressure to Substantiate Claims
The development puts the spotlight squarely on VDM to substantiate what is potentially a very serious allegation.
If evidence exists showing that serving police officers deliberately identify travellers and pass information to kidnappers, such evidence could warrant a major investigation and disciplinary or criminal action.
Conversely, if the allegation cannot be supported with credible evidence, the controversy raises questions about the responsibility of public commentators and influencers when making sweeping allegations against security institutions.
The Bigger Security Question
The dispute comes amid continuing public concern over kidnapping and insecurity across Nigeria. The allegation therefore touches a particularly sensitive nerve among Nigerians who have experienced or fear kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.
For the public, the critical question is no longer simply who said what, but what evidence exists?
The police have now made their position clear: VDM should bring forward the evidence.
The country will be watching to see whether the activist can substantiate his claim and whether the authorities will conduct a transparent investigation into any evidence presented.
Publisher’s Note: Allegations of criminal conduct should not be treated as established facts until independently verified. The police demand for evidence does not by itself establish that VDM’s allegation is false; equally, VDM’s allegation does not establish that police officers are colluding with kidnappers. The evidence, investigation and due process should determine the truth.
