Police invite activist to prove checkpoint kidnapping allegations

The Nigeria Police Force has formally invited social media activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence for his allegations that police officers at checkpoints collude with kidnappers and bandits. The invitation was issued in a statement on August 27, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, in response to comments Otse made at the Nigerian Bar Association's annual conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The police described the allegations as serious, unsubstantiated, and unfairly damaging to the institution. The statement said the force firmly rejects the claims and that the standard of evidence required for such gravity has not been met. It invited Otse to produce, without delay, any evidence that police personnel at checkpoints identify wealthy individuals and transmit information to kidnappers to facilitate abductions. The police assured that any evidence presented would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.

The controversy stems from remarks Otse made on August 25, 2026, during a panel discussion at the NBA conference in Port Harcourt. Speaking on the topic "Known Gun Men," Otse alleged that security agencies, including...