The Nigeria Police Force has disassociated itself from Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, a social media influencer who has used its uniform and insignia without permission.
According to the authorities, a thorough investigation has been started to find out where VeryDarkMan got the uniform and insignia he wore in one of his films.
The influencer was shown in the aforementioned video claiming to be a social media police officer rather than an activist while wearing full police uniform and accessories.
The influencer’s actions were condemned by the police, who said they violated Section 133 of the Penal Code Law and Section 251 of the Criminal Code Law.
“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,” reads the statement on police’s official X page.
“The Force categorically distances itself from this unapproved representation and has initiated a thorough inquiry to ascertain the origin of the police equipment he utilized and the jurisdiction he operated under.
The public should be reminded that using police uniforms, insignia, or accessories without permission is illegal and carries severe consequences, as stated in Section 251 of the Criminal Code Law and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law.
“The Nigeria Police Force firmly warns against the misuse of police uniforms or emblems, even if we acknowledge and encourage the ingenuity of young Nigerians in the content production sector. Unauthorized usage of these objects compromises the Force’s purity and ideals, and therefore will not be accepted.
