Impersonation: VeryDarkMan Granted N2m Bail

A magistrate court sitting in Abuja has granted the embattled social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, N2 million bail.

VeryDarkMan was arraigned on Friday at Court 1, Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 6, in the Federal Capital Territory for allegedly impersonating a policeman.

The blogger was granted N2 million bail in the ruling of the court in charge no. CR/510/2024: Commissioner of Police v. Vincent Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan.

Also, the bail conditions include the provision of two sureties in like terms and sureties are to deposit their passports with the court. The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, particularly Abuja municipal.

⁠Sureties are also to provide means of identification and depose to an affidavit to provide the defendant during the trial at all times.

The court also ruled that the prosecutor should verify the sureties’ addresses while the sureties will also provide their utility bills.

The court also ruled that VeryDarkMan will depose to an affidavit that he will be available at all times during the trial.

Earlier on Friday, the Nigeria Police Force said VeryDarkMan will be arraigned following allegations of impersonation.

READ: Police Arraign VeryDarkMan In Court

Osun Defender recalls that VeryDarkMan had earlier apologized to the Nigeria Police Force for wearing the police uniform.

“In response to 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 law enforcement agency wrote on X.

“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.”

The police had condemned his unauthorized use of the uniform and initiated an investigation.

In the controversial video, VeryDarkMan was seen wearing a police uniform and introduced himself as a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, of the Online Division.

Amid the backlash, the social media critic released a video on Thursday apologizing for using attire resembling the official police uniform.

He also advised Nigerians to seek proper authorization before wearing police attire to avoid misunderstandings or legal repercussions.