The social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, was granted bail under stringent conditions on Friday by a Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja.
VeryDarkMan appeared in Court 1, Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 6, in the Federal Capital Territory, where he faced allegations of impersonating a police officer. The court, in case number CR/510/2024, Commissioner of Police v. Vincent Martins Otse aka VeryDarkMan, set bail at N2 million.
As part of the bail terms, he must provide two sureties who meet similar conditions. These sureties are required to reside within the court’s jurisdiction (specifically within Abuja municipal) and submit their passports to the court. They are also to present valid identification, provide utility bills, and swear affidavits committing to ensure the defendant’s availability at all court sessions. The court directed the prosecutor to verify the sureties’ addresses, and VeryDarkMan must also sign an affidavit promising to appear for trial.
Earlier on Friday, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that VeryDarkMan, whose real name is Mr. Martins Otse, was appearing in court over allegations of impersonating a police officer by wearing a police uniform in a viral social media video. The FCT Police Command is managing the case to uphold the integrity of police symbols and prevent their misuse.
VeryDarkMan was detained on Thursday evening after responding to a police summons, according to his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju. Adeyanju noted on X that his client had also honored a similar invitation the day before. “Our client, VDM, has been detained after honoring a police invitation just like yesterday. VDM has consistently stated that the Nigerian Police are our friends, even when we all know they are not,” Adeyanju posted.
Chronicles Reporters previously reported that VeryDarkMan issued a public apology to the police after using a police uniform in a viral video in which he referred to himself as a CSP of an online division. In a video posted on his X account, he explained that he was unaware that permission was required to wear police or similar uniforms for content creation. He advised other content creators to seek proper clearance from law enforcement before using such attire.