Martins Otse, better known as social media critic VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been granted bail after his arraignment for impersonation on Friday. The court set bail at N2 million, requiring two sureties of the same amount.
As part of the stringent bail terms, VDM is to surrender his international passport and any other means of identification. The case emerged following a viral video in which he was seen wearing a police uniform, a move that prompted legal action from the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement last Thursday, police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi condemned VDM’s unauthorized use of official police attire and confirmed an investigation into the video.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, outlined the bail conditions, which include both sureties submitting identification and utility bills, providing verifiable addresses within the Abuja municipal area, and guaranteeing VDM’s presence throughout the trial. The defendant himself must also commit to being available whenever the court demands.
The stringent terms reflect the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the charges, as debates continue over the boundaries of social media expression and public accountability.
