The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the unauthorised use of police uniform by social media personality Martins Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
In a statement on Saturday, the police disclosed that an investigation has been launched to trace the source of the uniform and insignia that VeryDarkMan wore in a video.
The online personality, in an Instagram video, wore a police uniform and referred to himself as “social media police” rather than an activist.
The statement signed by Force PPRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the police view VeryDarkMan’s actions as a breach of legal boundaries.
According to the statement, VeryDarkMan’s actions contravene Section 251 of the Criminal Code Law and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law, which both prohibit unauthorised use of police uniforms and insignia.
“The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the unauthorised 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 statement read.
“The Force unequivocally disassociates itself from this unauthorised 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.”
The statement further reminded the public of the legal implications surrounding the unauthorised use of police uniforms, insignia or accoutrements.