Sahara Reporters reports that a magistrate court in Abuja on Friday granted controversial social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, N2 million bail with strict conditions.
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Deji Adeyanju, the controversial activist's lawyer, accused the Nigerian police of illegally detaining his client.
VeryDarkMan was prosecuted at Court 1, Magistrate's Court, Wuse Zone 6, in the Federal Capital Territory, for allegedly impersonating a police officer and wearing police uniforms in a viral video on social media .
The blogger was granted bail of N2 million in court ruling in charge no. CR/510/2024: Commissioner of Police against Vincent Martins Otse aka VeryDarkMan amid strict conditions.
These bail conditions include the provision of two sureties on similar terms. Guarantors must deposit their passports with the court and reside within its jurisdiction, particularly Abuja Municipal.
Surety bonds also provide means of identification and affidavit to be given to the defendant at all times during the trial. The court also ruled that the prosecutor must verify the addresses of the guarantors, and they will provide their utility bills.
The court also ruled that VeryDarkMan would submit an affidavit indicating that he would always be available during the trial.
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Earlier on Friday, the Nigeria Police said: “In response to recent developments, VDM, whose real name is Mr Martins Otse, will appear in court today following allegations of impersonation relating to the unauthorized use of uniforms of the Nigerian Police in a Viral Video on social networks.
“The FCT Police Command is actively handling the case, underlining the Nigerian Police Force’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its symbols and preventing their misuse. Interested persons are encouraged to follow the proceedings as the case develops.”
Appeal
Before being detained, VDM posted another video on Instagram, stating that he had just returned from the police station, where he was interrogated based on the controversial video.
He stressed that he had no intention of impersonating a police officer and asked the public to ask permission from law enforcement before wearing police uniforms.
He said: “On my way back from the police station where I was questioned based on the post I made wearing a costume that the police say is similar to theirs,” he wrote.
“I did not intend to impersonate the police in any way, and I offer my unreserved apologies to the Nigeria Police Force and the office of the Inspector General of Police…”
Background
PREMIUM TIMES reported in October that police launched an investigation into a viral video featuring 'VeryDarkMan'.
In the video, he is seen wearing what appeared to be police uniforms, which sparked controversy and led the police to condemn the unauthorized use of their uniforms and equipment, an action which the police condemned.
Police also posted a statement on their social media, announcing that they would investigate to determine the source of the police equipment used and the authority under which VeryDarkMan acted.
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The police, in a statement, also reminded the public that
“The unauthorized use of police uniforms, insignia or equipment constitutes a criminal offense, as stipulated in article 251 of the Penal Code and article 133 of the Penal Code, and is subject to strict penalties.”