The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence to support allegations he made about police officers allegedly sharing information with kidnappers.
The invitation follows remarks made by VDM during a panel session at the 2026 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
During the conference, VDM raised concerns about the effectiveness of police checkpoints on major highways and alleged that some officers could obtain information about motorists, including their perceived financial status, which he suggested could potentially be passed to kidnappers. (Punch Newspapers)
He argued that the persistent kidnapping of motorists despite the presence of security checkpoints raised questions about the effectiveness of the system.
VDM also alleged that security agencies knew the identities and locations of some perpetrators of violent attacks but had failed to take sufficient action against them. He made the claims while participating in a security-focused panel at the NBA conference.
The police, however, rejected the allegation that officers routinely collect information about motorists at checkpoints and pass it to criminal groups.
Commissioner of Police in charge of Safer Highway, Department of Operations, Silas Aremu, who participated in the same conference session, acknowledged that checkpoints could potentially be abused by corrupt individuals but disputed the suggestion that police officers routinely provide motorists’ information to kidnappers.
Aremu said criminals could monitor police checkpoints and exploit their locations and activities, stressing that the existence of checkpoints should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of collaboration between police officers and kidnappers.
The police invitation is therefore expected to give VDM an opportunity to substantiate the allegations and provide any evidence or information in his possession that could assist investigators.
The development comes amid heightened public concern over kidnapping and other forms of insecurity across Nigeria. VDM told the NBA gathering that insecurity had become a threat not only to ordinary citizens but also to members of the legal profession.
He referenced the reported abduction of a judge travelling from Sokoto State, who was reportedly kidnapped in Kebbi State in July and released after spending about a week in captivity. (Punch Newspapers)
VDM said his contribution to the NBA conference was based on his experiences covering victims and communities affected by insecurity, rather than an attempt to lecture lawyers on legal matters.
The activist has repeatedly used his social media platforms to raise allegations concerning security, corruption and public accountability, making the latest police invitation another significant development involving the controversial social commentator.
The Nigeria Police Force has maintained that its checkpoints are established as part of efforts to protect motorists and travellers, particularly on major highways affected by criminal activities.
The police response at the NBA conference suggested that while misconduct by individual officers could occur and should be addressed, allegations of institutional collaboration with kidnappers require evidence.
The invitation could consequently provide an avenue for the police to examine whether VDM possesses specific information concerning officers allegedly involved in such activities.
As of Thursday, August 27, 2026, the invitation and its implications remained a developing issue. Further details are expected to emerge regarding when VDM is required to appear before investigators and whether he will provide documentary, testimonial or other evidence supporting his claims.
The development also highlights the continuing debate over the effectiveness of security checkpoints in Nigeria and the need for stronger accountability mechanisms within law-enforcement agencies.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
