‎PRESS STATEMENT

‎27 August 2026

‎CEHRAWS TO POLICE: TREAT VDM’S ALLEGATION AS A WAKE-UP CALL, NOT AN ATTACK

‎The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society, (CEHRAWS), has taken note of the Nigeria Police Force’s response to allegations made by Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as “VeryDarkMan” (VDM), at the recent Nigerian Bar Association Conference in Port Harcourt, alleging that some police officers manning checkpoints provide information about travellers to kidnappers and thereby facilitate abductions for ransom.

‎CEHRAWS agrees with the Police that such a serious allegation should not be treated as established fact without credible evidence. However, we equally believe that 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.

‎This is particularly important against the background of previous complaints, media reports and documented cases involving allegations of police misconduct, extortion, unlawful detention, extra-judicial killings, abuse of office and, in some cases, alleged involvement of police personnel in kidnapping and other serious crimes.

‎Indeed, on 15 May 2026, the Nigeria Police Force publicly paraded suspects and announced the dismissal of five police inspectors over alleged involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and related offences in Rivers State. The Force also disclosed that three serving inspectors attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, had been arrested in connection with an alleged criminal syndicate operating illegal patrols in Port Harcourt, while other suspects were reportedly at large.

‎This development is important because it demonstrates that the possibility of criminal elements infiltrating the Police Force is not merely theoretical. It also reinforces the need for continuous internal cleansing, effective supervision and credible accountability mechanisms.

‎The Nigeria Police Act 2020 places a clear responsibility on the Force to prevent and detect crime, protect the rights and freedoms of Nigerians, maintain public safety and order, and protect lives and property. Section 4 of the Act further requires the Police to adopt community partnership in the discharge of its responsibilities.

‎Similarly, Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” This constitutional responsibility cannot be effectively discharged where citizens lose confidence in the very institution entrusted with their protection.

‎CEHRAWS therefore considers the allegations raised by VDM a wake-up call for the Nigeria Police Force to step up its game, strengthen its internal accountability mechanisms, identify and remove bad eggs within its ranks, and ensure strict compliance with operational guidelines and the rule of law in the exercise of its statutory mandate.

‎We emphasise that accountability should not be interpreted as an attack on the Police. The vast majority of police officers who work under difficult and dangerous conditions deserve our respect and support. However, institutional solidarity must never become a shield for misconduct. The best way to protect the reputation of honest officers and the integrity of the Force is to investigate credible allegations and decisively deal with proven wrongdoing.

‎CEHRAWS therefore calls on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that any credible evidence arising from the VDM allegation is promptly examined through a transparent and impartial process. Where evidence establishes wrongdoing, the officers involved should face appropriate disciplinary and criminal proceedings, in accordance with due process and the law.

‎We equally encourage members of the public, victims, whistleblowers and civil society organisations to continue reporting credible cases of police misconduct through appropriate channels, while exercising responsibility in making allegations that may damage reputations without evidence.

‎The fight against kidnapping and insecurity requires a Police Force that is professional, accountable, rights-respecting and trusted by the people. Public confidence cannot be demanded; it must be earned through conduct.

‎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.

‎We urge the Nigeria Police Force to see this moment as an opportunity to look inward, strengthen its systems, fish out criminal elements within its ranks and reaffirm its commitment to professional, democratic and people-centred policing.

‎A Police Force that holds its own officers accountable is not weakened by accountability, it is strengthened by it.

‎Signed:

‎Okoye, Chuka Peter

‎Executive Director, CEHRAWS

‎cehraws@gmail.com | +234(0)808-035-1242(WhatsApp only)

‎Facebook: @cehraws

‎