VeryDarkMan made the allegation on Tuesday while serving as a panelist at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt.
During his speech, the activist claimed that police officers manning checkpoints along major highways identify travellers and relay information about their identities and movements to criminal groups.
He alleged that such actions have contributed to kidnappings for ransom across the country.
Reacting to the claim, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, dismissed the allegation and said police personnel deployed to checkpoints and other locations nationwide were there to prevent crime, detect criminal activities and protect citizens.
The police noted that its officers routinely confront the same criminal elements allegedly receiving such information.
“Indeed, these same police officers routinely confront the very criminal elements alleged to be receiving such information.”
The Force subsequently invited VeryDarkMan to present evidence supporting his claims, particularly any proof that officers identify wealthy travellers and pass their information to kidnappers to facilitate their abduction.
“Accordingly, the Nigeria Police Force hereby invites Mr. Martins Vincent Otse to produce, without delay, the evidence upon which he based these serious allegations, including any evidence that police personnel at checkpoints identify wealthy individuals and subsequently transmit information about them to kidnappers for the purpose of facilitating their abduction.”
The police said any evidence provided would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.
The Force also urged members of the public with credible evidence of police misconduct to report through appropriate channels rather than relying solely on public allegations, assuring that necessary action would be taken where wrongdoing is established.
Post a Comment