Unauthorized Police Uniform Use: VeryDarkMan's N2m Bail

Court Grants VeryDarkMan Bail

“Two million, two sureties in like terms. Sureties to deposit international passports, sureties to...”

Abuja Chief Magistrate Court grants VeryDarkMan ₦2 million bail for unauthorized police uniform use.

The Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has granted bail to social media critic Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, setting the bail at N2 million with strict conditions. Otse was arraigned on November 1st at the Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 6, for allegedly wearing a police uniform and impersonating a police officer.

The bail conditions include providing two sureties who must deposit their passports with the court and reside within Abuja municipal. They must also provide means of identification and sign an affidavit to ensure the defendant's presence during trial. Additionally, the prosecutor must verify the sureties' addresses, and they must provide utility bills as proof of residence. VeryDarkMan himself must sign an affidavit ensuring his availability throughout the trial.

He said, “Two million, two sureties in like terms. Sureties to deposit international passports, sureties to provide means of Identification. Sureties to depose to affidavit to provide the defendant during trial at all times.

“Prosecutor to verify sureties' address. Sureties to provide utility bills, defendant to depose to affidavit to be available at all times during trial. Sureties to reside within the Court's jurisdiction, particularly Abuja municipal.”

Social media influencer Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, was detained by the police on Thursday, October 31, after issuing a public apology for wearing a police uniform in a viral video. In the video, he humorously introduced himself as a Chief Superintendent of Police in an “online division.”

Following police questioning on October 30 regarding alleged impersonation, VeryDarkMan posted an apology video on his social media pages. He admitted ignorance of regulations surrounding police uniforms and encouraged fellow content creators to seek proper clearance before using similar attire.

VeryDarkMan's counsel, Deji Adeyanju, stated that his client was detained after responding to a police summons, despite honoring a similar invitation the previous day.  The Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja later granted VeryDarkMan bail, setting the amount at N2 million with strict conditions.

"“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,” the post reads.