The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern condemnation of social media influencer Mr. Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), for his unauthorized use of police uniforms in a recent video posted on his social media platforms.
The video, which quickly gained traction online, features VDM dressed in official police attire, raising concerns about the potential misuse of law enforcement symbols.
In response to the incident, the NPF has initiated a thorough investigation to trace the source of the police uniforms seen in the video and to ascertain whether VDM had any official authorization to wear them.
A statement from the NPF emphasized the seriousness of the issue, noting that the unauthorized use of police uniforms constitutes a criminal offense under Section 251 of the Criminal Code Law and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law, which carry strict penalties.
The Force's statement read: “We unequivocally disassociate ourselves from this unauthorized portrayal and will ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The integrity of the Nigeria Police Force is paramount, and we will not tolerate any actions that undermine our values.”
While the NPF acknowledged the creativity of young Nigerians in the content creation industry, it stressed the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards.
The Force urged content creators to exercise caution and to respect the symbols and uniforms of law enforcement, reinforcing that such misuse is detrimental to the reputation and integrity of the police.
As the investigation unfolds, the NPF aims to provide clarity on the situation and uphold the law concerning the unauthorized use of police attire.