Bail Granted to Social Media Critic VeryDarkMan After Police Detention
Abuja, Nigeria – The Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has set bail at N2 million for detained social media commentator Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, along with several restrictive conditions. VeryDarkMan faced charges of unauthorized use of a police uniform when he appeared in court on Friday at Court 1, located in Wuse Zone 6 of the Federal Capital Territory.
Deji Ayedanju, VeryDarkMan’s attorney, outlined the bail conditions, which now require two sureties to be presented, each tasked with verifying their identities and providing affidavits ensuring the defendant’s availability throughout the trial process. The court has ordered that the prosecution must confirm the residential addresses of the sureties, who are also required to submit recent utility bills as proof of residence.
Additionally, VeryDarkMan is mandated to sign an affidavit affirming his commitment to appear in court whenever required during the trial. “The court stipulated that the bail is set at two million naira with two sureties in a similar capacity. Sureties must deposit their international passports and provide valid means of identification. They are also required to depose to an affidavit committing to provide the defendant during the trial at all times,” Ayedanju explained. He further noted that the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court, particularly within Abuja’s municipal area.
According to reports, the police detained VeryDarkMan on Thursday evening, shortly after he posted a public apology for utilizing a police uniform in a viral video, in which he humorously introduced himself as a Chief Superintendent of Police in an “online division.” The apology was recorded after he voluntarily attended a police interrogation on Wednesday regarding allegations of impersonation.
In his video apology, VeryDarkMan claimed ignorance of the regulations surrounding the use of police uniforms, admitting he was unaware that prior permission from law enforcement was necessary. He took the opportunity to advise fellow content creators to seek proper clearance from the authorities before incorporating similar uniforms into their content.
Adeyanju also indicated that VeryDarkMan’s detention occurred following his compliance with a police summons, noting that his client had previously attended a similar invitation just a day prior. “Our client, VDM, has been detained after responding to a police invitation, just like he did the day before. VDM has consistently expressed that the Nigerian Police are our friends, despite the public sentiment that suggests otherwise,” he posted on his account on X.
Join our Channel...