Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has ignited a major controversy by appearing in full police uniform, shaking up the Nigerian Police Force. Declaring himself a force against injustice in Nigeria, VDM’s bold statement has drawn sharp reactions, leaving law enforcement officials outraged despite his intentions.
On Saturday, the Police Force released a stern statement on X, condemning VDM’s actions as a direct affront to their institution. They stressed that his unauthorized use of the uniform dangerously undermined the respect and sanctity their symbols are meant to uphold.
The police emphasized that VDM’s stunt was not to be dismissed as a mere skit. They announced a formal investigation to trace the origins of the police gear used in the video and to determine if Otse had any legitimate grounds for his actions. This investigation aims to uncover how VDM acquired the uniform and whether any internal breaches occurred.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the boundaries of social media activism and the respect for official symbols. VDM’s actions, while intended to highlight issues of injustice, have brought him into direct conflict with the authorities, raising questions about the appropriate ways to advocate for change within the bounds of the law.
This unfolding situation highlights the tension between creative expression and the need to maintain respect for official institutions. As the investigation progresses, it will likely serve as a precedent for how similar actions are viewed and handled in the future, especially in the context of social media influence and activism.
The post on the official X handle of the Nigeria Police Force read;
NIGERIA POLICE CONDEMNS UNLAWFUL USE OF POLICE UNIFORMS BY CONTENT CREATORS.
As Police Launches Investigation into Circulating Video By VDM. 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.
The Force unequivocally disassociates itself from this unauthorized portrayal and has launched a full investigation to determine the source of the Police gear used, as well as the authority under which he acted.
It is important to remind the public that the unauthorized use of Police uniforms, insignia, or accoutrements constitutes a criminal offense, as stipulated in Section 251 of the Criminal Code Law and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law, and is subject to strict penalties.
While the Nigeria Police Force recognizes and supports the creativity of young Nigerians in the content creation space, we strongly caution against the misuse of Police uniforms or symbols. Unauthorized use of these items undermines the values and integrity of the Force and will not be tolerated.
See the post below;
