Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has challenged the Nigeria Police Force to charge him to court, saying he will present evidence supporting his allegations of security personnel aiding kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria before a judge.

Otse made the statement on Thursday while reacting to an invitation extended to him by the police to substantiate his allegations concerning kidnapping at checkpoints.

The activist said he was ready to honour the police invitation but would not hand over his evidence to the Force, insisting that the appropriate place to tender the evidence was a court of law.

“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,” Otse said in a video shared on his Instagram page.

Police Invite VeryDarkMan Over Allegations

The Nigeria Police Force had invited VeryDarkMan to provide evidence for his allegation that some police officers operating checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and allegedly pass information about them to kidnappers.

The Force described the allegation as serious and unsubstantiated, warning that such claims could damage public confidence in the police institution.

The police, however, said any evidence provided by the activist would be treated with urgency and subjected to thorough investigation.

Reacting to the invitation, Otse said his lawyers were prepared to defend him and challenged the police to take legal action 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.

‘Security Agencies Aid Insecurity’

VeryDarkMan maintained his allegation that some security agencies contribute to the persistence of insecurity in Nigeria.

He alleged that the police, military, immigration and customs were aware of activities linked to insecurity across 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.

The activist also questioned why kidnapping, terrorism and banditry remained widespread despite government spending 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.

‘Let’s Meet in Court’

Otse said he was prepared to face the police and military in court over his allegations, adding that he would continue to speak publicly about issues affecting Nigerians.

He also accused some Nigerians of defending security agencies despite frequently criticising the police and military over the worsening security situation.

The activist maintained that his comments were intended to hold public institutions accountable and insisted that he stood by his allegations.

“I’m proud of myself that right in their faces I said what I had to say and to tell them that the insecurity going on in Nigeria, it is aided by them. I stand by my words,” he said.

VeryDarkMan Calls for Better Police Welfare

Despite his criticism of the security agencies, Otse acknowledged the welfare challenges faced by police officers.

He argued that the government must improve the working conditions of security personnel if it wants to strengthen the country’s security system.

“There is no welfare for the Nigerian police. If you want Nigeria’s security to be tightened, you have to take care of our policemen. Take care of them,” he said.

Earlier Dispute With Police

The latest development comes weeks after Otse accused the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Moshood Jimoh, of corruption in connection with the investigation of a case involving businessman Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi.

The police later confirmed that Jimoh had been invited for questioning as part of an internal administrative review.

The Force also invited Otse to substantiate his allegations.

According to the police, the criminal matter connected to the allegations was already before a court following legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

Otse criticised the police response, claiming that the Force took weeks to react to his allegations against Jimoh but responded more quickly to his recent comments concerning checkpoint kidnappings.

He also claimed to have released evidence relating to the earlier case, including allegations concerning the alleged torture of suspects.

VeryDarkMan Insists on Court Trial

Otse further repeated his claim that politicians use cattle to launder money, while arguing that Fulani herders are victims of political manipulation.

He ended his latest reaction by reiterating that he was ready to face the police whenever the Force decided 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.”