Activist VeryDarkMan Apologizes to Nigeria Police for Uniform Incident

• Oct 31, 2024

Controversial activist and social media personality, VeryDarkMan, has issued an apology to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) after a viral video showed him wearing a police uniform. In the footage, VeryDarkMan, whose real name is Martins Otse, introduced himself as a “chief superintendent of police (CSP) of the Online Division” and vowed to use his influence to expose unethical behavior on social media.

The Nigeria Police Force responded by launching an investigation to uncover how he obtained the police gear and the authority, if any, under which he made the public claims. This prompted a serious inquiry into the incident, as the police viewed the unauthorized use of their uniform as a potential act of impersonation.

Following the investigation, VeryDarkMan posted a follow-up video on Instagram, detailing his experience at the police station. He revealed that he had been interrogated about the uniform and the claims he made while wearing it. The activist made it clear that his intentions were never to impersonate or undermine the police, stating his commitment to transparency and respect for law enforcement.

“I didn’t intend to impersonate the police in any way,” he explained. “I tender my unreserved apologies to the Nigeria Police Force and the office of the Inspector General of Police.” VeryDarkMan emphasized the importance of seeking official permission from law enforcement before using attire or symbols that resemble those of any security agency. He highlighted that while some individuals might have noble intentions, there is always a risk that such appearances could be misused by others.

The activist also expressed gratitude to his lawyer, Adeyanju Deji, who he noted is always prepared to support him legally. “Shout out to my lawyer @adeyanjudeji, who is always ready to stand,” he wrote.

VeryDarkMan used the incident as an opportunity to educate the public on the potential legal repercussions of using official-looking uniforms without explicit approval. He cautioned that even a well-meaning act could have significant consequences, stressing the necessity of adhering to the law.

The event has sparked conversations online about the boundaries between activism and legal regulations, as well as the responsibilities of public figures in setting examples for their followers. VeryDarkMan’s apology and the subsequent discussion serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting the symbols and authority of law enforcement agencies.