ABUJA, Nigeria — Martins Otse, known online as VeryDarkMan, was granted bail on Friday, November 1, 2024, after being arraigned on charges of impersonation.
The Federal Capital Territory Magistrate Court set bail at ₦2 million, requiring two sureties of equal amount.
The charges stem from a viral video in which Otse appeared wearing a police uniform, leading to allegations of unauthorized use of official attire.
Otse must surrender his international passport and other identification documents as part of the bail conditions.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, outlined additional requirements.
The court requires that both sureties deposit their international passports along with valid identification. They must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, specifically within Abuja municipal.
Additionally, both the sureties and Otse are to provide utility bills as proof of address, which prosecutors will verify. Otse is also required to commit to being available throughout the duration of the trial.
The Nigeria Police Force condemned Otse’s unauthorised display of its uniform in a video posted on social media last Thursday.
Subsequently, an investigation was launched.
Otse’s legal team has expressed confidence in meeting the bail conditions promptly, allowing him to await trial outside of custody.
The case has garnered significant attention, highlighting ongoing discussions about the responsibilities and boundaries of social media influencers in Nigeria.
