- Safiu Kehinde
Social Media influencer and self-acclaimed online police, Martin Vincent Otse, popular known as VeryDarkMan, has stepped on the toes of the Nigerian Police Force as they commence probe over his unauthorized use of Police uniform.
Reacting to VDM’s recent post on TikTok where he appeared in the enforcement agency’s uniform, the Force had, in a statement issued on Saturday, condemned the influencer’s act.
According to the statement, unauthorized use of Police uniforms and other properties violate Section 251 of the Criminal Code Law and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law, and is subject to strict penalties.
The Force disassociate itself from the post while cautioning content creators against the misuse of Police uniforms or symbols.
The statement read in part “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.”