VDM
Otse said he would not submit his evidence to the police during questioning but would present it in court if the authorities charged him.
He made the remarks in a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, in response to the police invitation issued earlier in the day.
The Force had asked Otse to provide evidence for his allegation that some officers manning checkpoints on major highways identify wealthy travellers and pass information about them to kidnappers.
The police described the allegation as serious and unsubstantiated, saying claims of criminal conduct must be supported by credible evidence.
Otse, however, said he was ready to face the authorities but would only disclose his evidence in court.
“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,” he said.
He challenged the police to prosecute him if they believed his allegations amounted to 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.
Otse also stood by his wider allegation that security agencies contribute to the persistence of insecurity in the country.
He alleged that the police, military, immigration and customs authorities had knowledge of factors contributing to kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.
“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.
Otse questioned why kidnapping and terrorism had continued despite government spending on 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.
The activist said he would continue to speak about issues affecting the country despite possible consequences, describing his comments as a demand for accountability from public institutions.
He also criticised what he described as inconsistent public reactions to the performance of security agencies, saying Nigerians should be willing to question alleged misconduct while recognising the challenges faced by personnel.
Despite his criticism, Otse acknowledged the difficult conditions faced by many police officers and called for improved welfare.
“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.
The police had said any credible evidence provided by Otse would be investigated and that officers found to have compromised their duties would face appropriate disciplinary or legal action.
The exchange follows growing public debate over insecurity and allegations of misconduct by security personnel in Nigeria.
