The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has arraigned social activist, Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan on Friday on charges of impersonation and unauthorized use of its uniform in a video where he described himself as the CSP of the police online division.
In a statement on Friday by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi titled ‘Impersonation: VDM To Appear In Court Today, FCT Command Leading Prosecution,’ the police said VDM who was arrested and detained after he honoured police invitation for interrogation, will be
charged following allegations of impersonation related to the unauthorized use of Nigeria Police Force uniforms in a viral social media video.
The statement posted on the official X handle of the NPF, @PoliceNG, 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 arrest and detention of the influencer following an alarm raised by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, who explained that his client was arrested after his interrogation.
“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,” Adeyanju had posted on his social media handles on Thursday night.
Before the arrest, VDM 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.
The social media influencer however, said he was unaware of the protocol that mandated getting permission before the use of police uniforms.
“I want to make a formal apology to the Nigeria Police. Of course I cannot caricature you. Without you, who is going to protect us?
“I tender my unreserved apologies to the Nigeria police force and the office of the inspector general of police,” he had said.
