By Asuquo Cletus Felix
Martins Ostse a popular social media activist known as VeryDarkMan, has apologized to the Nigerian Police Form for using a police uniform in a latest video.
In a 3 minute trending video, posted on various social media platforms on Saturday morning, VeryDarkMan, had used a Police uniform to campaign against fake skincare products, oppression and use of force by celebrities and politicians.
Speaking in the video VeryDarkMan noted that people should address him as ACP VeryDarkMan, as he is committed to fighting social vices on social media, as against the police who fight against social vices off social media.
He said “My name is CSP VeryDarkMan of the Nigerian Police, The online division, i’m the number one online police.
“I’m not an activist so stop calling me an online activist. Unlike everyone out there I’m here to sanitize the social media by using my platform to stand against people that abuse power, and of course my favorite customers are the skin care vendor.
“ I do my activism online, while the police do theirs offline. I have the platform and I talk about these issues.”
In a short video posted on X app, on Thursday VDM was seen apologizing to the police, for his use of police uniform following his invitation by the police.
“Back from the police station where I was interrogated based on the post I made wearing a costume that the police claim is similar to theirs.
“I didn’t intend to impersonate the police in anyway and I tender my unreserved apologies to the Nigeria police force and the office of the Inspector General of Police.
“And also I will like to use this medium to tell the general public to always seek permission from the police or other law enforcement agencies before using anything that might look like their uniform.
“You might want to use it for good but there are others that might want to use it for bad. So it’s good to get full approval before using anything that might seem impersonating👍 @nigeriapoliceforce and also shout out to my lawyer @adeyanjudeji who is always ready to stand”.-He said.
Streetnews had reported that the Nigerian Police had vowed to commenced an investigation into the video.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa said “ the unauthorized use of Police uniforms, insignia, or accouterments constitutes a criminal offense, as stipulated in Section 251 of the Criminal Code Law and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law, and is subject to strict penalties.
He said “The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the unauthorized use of official uniforms and accoutrements by an online personality, Mr. Martins Otse, popularly known as “VDM,” in a video posted on his social media platforms.
“The Force unequivocally disassociates itself from this unauthorized portrayal and has launched a full investigation to determine the source of the Police gear used, as well as the authority under which he acted.
“It is important to remind the public that the unauthorized use of Police uniforms, insignia, or accoutrements constitutes a criminal offense, as stipulated in Section 251 of the Criminal Code Law and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law, and is subject to strict penalties.
“While the Nigeria Police Force recognizes and supports the creativity of young Nigerians in the content creation space, we strongly caution against the misuse of Police uniforms or symbols. Unauthorized use of these items undermines the values and integrity of the Force and will not be tolerated.”
