VeryDarkMan breaks silence on Police invitation over checkpoint kidnapping claims

Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has broken his silence following an invitation by the Nigeria Police Force over his allegation that some security personnel aid kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria.

Otse, who reacted to the invitation on Thursday, said he was prepared to honour the police invitation but would prefer to present his evidence in court.

“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 his Instagram page.

ALSO READ: NBA conference: Police want evidence, invite VeryDarkMan over checkpoint kidnapping claims

The police had earlier invited Otse to provide evidence backing his allegation that police officers manning checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and pass information about them to kidnappers to facilitate their abduction.

The Force described the allegation as serious, unsubstantiated and damaging to the institution, while assuring that any evidence presented by the activist would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.

Reacting to the invitation, Otse said his lawyers were ready and challenged the police to charge him to court if they believed he had committed 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 his earlier allegation that security agencies were aiding insecurity in the country, alleging that the police, military, immigration and customs knew what was happening.

“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.

Otse also questioned the continued prevalence of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping 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.

He concluded by saying he was ready to face the police whenever they chose to proceed against him.

“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,” he said.

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