The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has urged the Nigeria Police Force to treat an allegation made by social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), as a “wake-up call” rather than an attack on the institution.
VDM, speaking at the recent Nigerian Bar Association Conference in Port Harcourt, alleged that some police officers manning checkpoints provide information about travellers to kidnappers, thereby facilitating abductions for ransom.
In a statement issued on August 27, 2026, CEHRAWS said the allegation should not be treated as established fact without credible evidence, but insisted that it deserves a transparent investigation.
“The appropriate institutional response is not simply to dismiss the allegation as unsubstantiated, but to treat it as an opportunity for transparent investigation and institutional self-examination,” CEHRAWS said.
The organisation pointed to previous complaints and documented cases of alleged police misconduct, including extortion, unlawful detention, extra-judicial killings and abuse of office.
It specifically recalled that on May 15, 2026, the Nigeria Police Force announced the dismissal of five police inspectors over alleged involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and related offences in Rivers State. CEHRAWS also noted that three serving inspectors attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, were arrested over an alleged criminal syndicate operating illegal patrols in Port Harcourt.
According to CEHRAWS, these developments demonstrate that criminal elements infiltrating the Police Force is not merely theoretical and reinforce the need for continuous internal cleansing and effective supervision.
The group therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that any credible evidence connected to VDM’s allegation is promptly examined through a transparent and impartial process.
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Where wrongdoing is established, CEHRAWS said the officers involved should face appropriate disciplinary and criminal proceedings in accordance with the law.
Executive Director Okoye, Chuka Peter, said accountability should not be seen as an attack on the police, stressing that honest officers deserve public support.
“Institutional solidarity must never become a shield for misconduct,” CEHRAWS stated, adding that the best way to protect the reputation of honest officers is to investigate credible allegations and decisively deal with proven wrongdoing.
The organisation also referenced the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which places responsibilities on the Force to prevent and detect crime, protect citizens’ rights, maintain public safety and protect lives and property. It further cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which declares that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
CEHRAWS encouraged victims, whistleblowers, civil society organisations and members of the public to continue reporting credible cases of police misconduct through appropriate channels, while also urging responsibility when making allegations without evidence.
“For CEHRAWS, the issue is neither about defending VDM nor condemning the Police. It is about ensuring that every allegation capable of threatening the lives and security of Nigerians receives the seriousness it deserves,” the statement said.
The organisation’s message is ultimately one of institutional strengthening: a police force that investigates its own, removes proven bad actors and earns the confidence of citizens is not weakened by accountability—it is strengthened by it.
