Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has announced that the criminal case filed against him over allegations of impersonating a police officer has been struck out by the court.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Otse celebrated the court's decision, saying the legal battle, which lasted about two years, ended with him being discharged and acquitted after the prosecution failed to establish its case.
According to Otse, he had been charged by the Nigeria Police over allegations that he wore a Nigerian Police uniform and thereby impersonated a police officer—an offence under Nigerian law. He maintained throughout the proceedings that he never claimed to be a police officer and argued that his appearance, including wearing a nose ring, clearly distinguished him from serving officers.
Reacting to the judgment, Otse wrote: "First of all, congratulations to me. After two years of battling in court with the Nigerian Police over the charge that I wore a Nigerian Police uniform, therefore impersonating the Nigeria Police, it is with great pleasure to announce to you all that the battles are all over. The case has been struck out for lack of evidence and therefore I have been honourably discharged and acquitted. VeryDarkMan is not guilty."
The activist also took a swipe at some former senior police officials whom he suggested would be disappointed by the outcome of the case, while thanking his legal team for their representation throughout the proceedings.
The court's decision means that Martins Vincent Otse is no longer facing criminal liability in relation to the allegation. Under Nigerian criminal law, a discharge and acquittal signifies that the accused person has been found not guilty of the offence charged and cannot ordinarily be tried again for the same allegation, except in circumstances permitted by law.
The development has generated widespread reactions on social media, with supporters describing the judgment as a victory for due process and the presumption of innocence. Others noted that the outcome serves as a reminder that criminal allegations must be supported by sufficient evidence before a conviction can be secured.
Following the judgment, Otse ended his celebratory message with a humorous remark, declaring himself the "IG of Online Police," a statement widely interpreted by his followers as satire rather than an official claim.
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