Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has responded to an invitation from the Nigeria Police Force over allegations that some security personnel aid kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria.
Otse, who addressed the invitation in a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, said he was willing 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 tender the evidence in court,” he said.
The police had invited the activist to provide evidence supporting his allegation that some 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 Otse would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.
Reacting, Otse said his lawyers were prepared to represent him and challenged the police to charge him to court if they believed he had committed an offence.
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“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 the ground,” he said.
The activist maintained his allegations against security agencies, claiming that the police, military, immigration and customs were aware of the alleged activities contributing to 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.
Otse also questioned the continued prevalence of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping despite government expenditure on national 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 reiterated his readiness to face the police and defend his claims if legal proceedings are instituted 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.
