The Nigeria Police Force disclosed this in a statement on Friday titled, ‘Impersonation: VDM To Appear In Court Today, FCT Command Leading Prosecution’
The detained social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan will appear in court today (Friday) in Abuja for allegedly impersonating a policeman.
The Nigeria Police Force disclosed this in a statement on Friday titled, ‘Impersonation: VDM To Appear In Court Today, FCT Command Leading Prosecution’
It said, “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 on Thursday evening detained VeryDarkMan.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, said the blogger was detained after honouring a police invitation.
In a post on X on Thursday, Adeyanju disclosed that his client had honoured 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.”
SaharaReporters reported on Thursday that VeryDarkMan had tendered a public apology to the police for using their uniform in a viral video where he described himself as a CSP of an online division.
VeryDarkMan made the apology in a video he posted on his X account after he was grilled by the police on Wednesday for alleged impersonation.
The social media influencer professed unawareness of the protocol, stating he didn't know police permission was required to wear police uniforms or other similar ones.
He, therefore, cautioned fellow content creators to obtain necessary clearance from law enforcement before using similar uniforms for content purposes.
SaharaReporters had also reported that the Nigeria Police Force strongly condemned the unauthorised use of official uniforms and accouterments by content creators, while referring to VeryDarkMan’s case.
The police in a statement on Saturday reminded Nigerians that unauthorised use of police uniforms, insignia, or accoutrements constitutes a criminal offence.
While it said 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, the Force disassociated itself from the unauthorised portrayal.
Also, in 2022, the police expressed concerns over individuals, movie makers, and skit makers using police uniforms and accoutrements without approval.