The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence backing his allegation that some police officers at checkpoints collude with kidnappers and bandits.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, said in a statement on Thursday that the police had taken note of comments made by Otse at the recent Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
VeryDarkMan had alleged that police officers manning checkpoints along major highways identify wealthy travellers and pass information about their identities and movements to kidnappers, allegedly facilitating their abduction for ransom.
Reacting, the police described the allegation as serious, unsubstantiated and damaging to the institution, insisting that claims of such gravity must be supported by credible evidence.
The Force consequently invited VeryDarkMan to produce, without delay, any evidence showing that checkpoint officers identify wealthy individuals and transmit their information to kidnappers.
The police said any evidence presented would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.
The Force maintained that officers deployed to checkpoints are assigned to prevent crime, detect criminal activities and protect citizens, rather than facilitate kidnapping.
It also noted that police personnel routinely confront kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements, with some officers having been ambushed, attacked and killed in the line of duty.
However, the police said officers found to have compromised their duties would face internal disciplinary action and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Force also cautioned against blanket accusations, warning that unverified allegations could demoralise personnel and undermine public trust in the police.
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