VeryDarkMan Challenges Police, Demands Court Action Over Kidnapping Allegation

Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has challenged the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to charge him to court over his allegation that some police officers assist kidnappers by identifying wealthy travellers.

VeryDarkMan made the challenge while reacting to an invitation issued by the police, requesting that he provide evidence to substantiate his claims.

The activist said he was prepared to honour the police invitation but would not submit his evidence to the Force, insisting that he would present it in court if the authorities decided to prosecute him.

“I’m not going to be giving the police my evidence. Why would I do that? I would be charged to court, and I would tender the evidence in court,” he said in a video posted on his Instagram page.

He also urged the police to proceed with legal action if they believed his comments constituted an offence, saying his lawyers were ready to represent him.

“So when I get to your office, you charge me to court. I can go to court on that same day. My lawyers are on ground,” he said.

The Police had described the allegation as serious, unsubstantiated and capable of damaging the reputation of the institution, while expressing readiness to investigate any evidence presented by the activist.

However, VeryDarkMan maintained his position, alleging that some security personnel were contributing to the persistence of insecurity in the country.

“It is the police people that aid insecurity. It is the military men that benefit from insecurity. That’s why it can never stop,” he alleged.

He also questioned why kidnapping, banditry and terrorism remained prevalent despite government spending on security.

“How much is your budget to battle insecurity? How much is your budget? Go and look at your budget and tell me why we still have bandits and terrorists kidnapping people,” he said.

The activist further insisted that he would continue to speak openly about issues affecting the country and stood by his allegations.

“I’m proud of myself that right in their faces I said what I had to say and to tell them that the insecurity going on in Nigeria, it is aided by them. I stand by my words,” he said.

Despite his criticism, VeryDarkMan called on the government to improve the welfare of police officers, arguing that better working conditions would strengthen the fight against insecurity.

“There is no welfare for the Nigerian police. If you want Nigeria’s security to be tightened, you have to take care of our policemen. Take care of them,” he said.

He concluded by reiterating his readiness to face the police and defend his claims in court.

“For the police, I’m very, very ready for you guys. 100 per cent. I’m ready to show you that you people aid insecurity. You people aid banditry and terrorism in this country.

“Let’s meet in court. The evidence will be tendered there.”