The detained social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as “VeryDarkMan,” will appear in court today (Friday) in Abuja on charges of allegedly impersonating a police officer.
The Nigeria Police Force disclosed this in a Friday statement titled, “Impersonation: VDM To Appear In Court Today, FCT Command Leading Prosecution.”
It stated, “In response to recent developments, VDM, whose real name is Mr. Martins Otse, is set to appear in court today following allegations of impersonation related to the unauthorized use of Nigeria Police Force uniforms in a viral social media video.
“The FCT Police Command is actively handling the case, underscoring the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its symbols and preventing their misuse. Interested persons are encouraged to follow up on the proceedings as the case unfolds.”
The police detained “VeryDarkMan” on Thursday evening.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, reported that the influencer was detained after responding to a police invitation.
In a post on X on Thursday, Adeyanju disclosed that his client had responded to a similar invitation on Wednesday.
His post read, “Our client, VDM, has been detained after honouring a police invitation just like yesterday. VDM has been consistent in stating that the Nigerian Police are our friends, even when we all know they are not.”
On Thursday, Society Reporters reported that “VeryDarkMan” had publicly apologized to the police for wearing their uniform in a viral video, where he referred to himself as a “CSP of an online division.”
“VeryDarkMan” issued the apology in a video on his X account after being questioned by the police on Wednesday for alleged impersonation.
The influencer stated that he was unaware of the protocols, claiming he didn’t know police permission was required to wear police uniforms or similar attire.
He further advised fellow content creators to seek necessary approval from law enforcement before using similar uniforms for content purposes.
Previously, we reported that the Nigeria Police Force condemned the unauthorized use of official uniforms and accouterments by content creators, citing “VeryDarkMan’s” case.
In a Saturday statement, the police reminded Nigerians that unauthorized use of police uniforms, insignia, or accoutrements is a criminal offense.
The statement also mentioned that an investigation into “VeryDarkMan’s” video had been launched to determine the source of the police gear used, as well as the authority under which he acted, with the Force distancing itself from the unauthorized portrayal.
Additionally, in 2022, the police voiced concerns over individuals, filmmakers, and skit makers using police uniforms and accoutrements without approval.
