VeryDarkMan challenges police to court over checkpoint kidnapping allegation

Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has challenged the Nigeria Police Force to take him to court rather than asking him to submit the evidence backing his allegations that security personnel aid kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria.

Otse made the challenge on Thursday while reacting to a police invitation asking him to substantiate claims that some policemen at checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and allegedly pass their details to kidnappers.

The activist said he was willing to honour the invitation but would not hand over his evidence during police questioning, insisting that the appropriate place for such evidence was the courtroom.

“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 turn down the evidence in court,” he said in a video posted on Instagram.

The police had described the allegation as serious, unsubstantiated and capable of damaging public confidence in the force. The Force said it would investigate any credible evidence provided by Otse.

However, Otse said his lawyers were prepared to defend him and urged the police to charge him if they believed his comments constituted an offence.

“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 activist maintained that insecurity in Nigeria was being aided by elements within security agencies, alleging that the police, military, immigration and customs were aware of the activities of criminal groups.

He also questioned why kidnapping, terrorism and banditry had persisted despite substantial government spending on national security.

Otse said he was prepared to face security agencies in court and would continue to speak publicly about issues concerning governance and insecurity.

“I stand by my words,” he said, insisting that any evidence supporting his allegations would be presented in court.

He nevertheless acknowledged the difficult working conditions faced by many police officers, calling on the government to improve their welfare and working environment.

“If you want Nigeria’s security to be tightened, you have to take care of our policemen,” he said.

The latest development follows an earlier dispute between Otse and the police over allegations involving the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Moshood Jimoh.

Otse had accused Jimoh of corruption in connection with the investigation of businessman Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi. The police subsequently said Jimoh had been invited for questioning as part of an internal administrative review.

The Force also invited Otse to provide evidence supporting his allegations, while noting that the related criminal matter had already been taken to court following advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

Otse criticised the police for what he described as a delayed response to his earlier allegations, saying the Force acted more quickly after his recent comments about checkpoint kidnappings.

He also alleged that he had released materials concerning the earlier case, including claims of torture, but said the police did not initially respond.

Despite the controversy, Otse reiterated that he was ready to face the police and military in court.

“For the police, I’m very, very ready for you guys. 100 per cent,” he said. “Let’s meet in court. The evidence will be tendered there.”