Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has challenged the Nigeria Police Force to charge him to court if it believes he committed an offence over his allegations that security personnel aid kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria.

Otse, reacting to the police invitation on Thursday, said he was willing to honour the invitation but would not submit his evidence to the police, insisting that he would present it in court instead.

The police had invited the activist to provide evidence supporting his allegation that officers at checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and pass information about them to kidnappers.

The Force described the allegation as serious, unsubstantiated and damaging, while assuring that any evidence provided would be investigated.

However, Otse maintained his position and said his lawyers were ready to defend him if the police decided to prosecute him. He also alleged that the police, military, immigration and customs were aware of the insecurity affecting the country.

He questioned why kidnapping, terrorism and banditry remained widespread despite government spending on security.

Otse also criticised the welfare of police officers, saying improved working conditions were necessary to strengthen the country’s security system.

His latest comments followed an earlier dispute with the police over allegations against the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Moshood Jimoh. The police had invited Otse to substantiate those claims and said the related criminal matter was already before a court.

Despite the police invitation, Otse said he remained ready to face the authorities in court and insisted that he stood by his allegations.

“Let’s meet in court. The evidence will be tendered there,” he said.