The Nigeria Police Force has firmly condemned the use of its official uniform and accessories in a skit by popular online personality, Mr. Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The skit, shared by VeryDarkMan on his social media platforms, featured him wearing a black police uniform.
However, while expressing strong objection to the action of the VeryDarkMan, Nigeria Police Force in a statement published on its X handle said it has launched a full investigation to determine the source of the Police gear used, as well as the authority under which the online personality acted to use the uniform.
It also warned content creators that 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.”
See the full statement of police below
NIGERIA POLICE CONDEMNS UNLAWFUL USE OF POLICE UNIFORMS BY CONTENT CREATORS.
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.
