By Asuquo Cletus Felix
The Nigerian Police Force on Friday said it will be arraigning Martins Ostse , a popular social media activist known as VeryDarkMan, over alleged impersonation.
In a post on X app the police said the development, is in response to the allegations of impersonation related to the unauthorized use of Nigeria Police Force uniforms in a viral social media video.
It reads “In 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.”
In a 3 minute 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 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.”
