- Safiu Kehinde
Social media influencer and activist, Martins Vincent Otse, has turned down the invitation by the Nigeria Police Force for questioning over his claim that personnel of the force connived with kidnappers.
NPO Reported that police had earlier today summoned VeryDarkMan hour after his address at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference.
The activist had during the panel discussion alleged that police officers manning checkpoints along major highways relay information to kidnappers and bandits regarding the identity and movement of travellers, thereby facilitating abductions for ransom.
While debunking the allegation, the police summoned VDM with the activist charged to come along with evidence to back up his allegation.
Reacting to the invitation in a video post on his social media handles on Thursday, VDM turned down the invitation as he expressed preference of being charged to court by the police rather than honouring their invitation.
“I’m not going to be giving the police my evidence. Why would I do that? I would be charged in court, and I would turn down the evidence in court,” he said.
The activist 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.
VDM also repeated his allegations against security agencies.
“It is the police people that aid insecurity. It is the military men that benefit from insecurity. That’s why it can never stop,
“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 maintained that he had no reason to submit his evidence to the police.
“But like I said, why would I want to give you my evidence? I wouldn’t do that,
“Who would take you to court? You understand? When you’re ready, I’m ready.” VDM said.
He also criticised Nigerians who defend security agencies following his allegations, saying many of those defending the institutions routinely criticise the police and military over the country’s insecurity.
The activist said he intended to hold public institutions accountable and maintained that he stood by his allegations.
He however acknowledged the poor welfare and working conditions of police officers, urging the government to improve their welfare and provide better support to strengthen security across the country.