The Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Abuja has struck out the criminal case filed by the Nigeria Police Force against social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The court dismissed the matter on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, citing a lack of evidence to support the allegations against the activist.
VeryDarkMan celebrates court victory
Announcing the outcome in a video shared on his Instagram page, VeryDarkMan expressed excitement over the court’s decision, stating that the legal battle had finally come to an end.
According to him, the case, which lasted for about two years, ended with the court discharging and acquitting him.
“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, a criminal offence punishable by two to five years.”
He added:
“It’s with great pleasure to announce to you 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.”
Background to the case
VeryDarkMan was arraigned in 2024 after the police accused him of impersonation for allegedly wearing a Nigerian Police uniform without official authorisation.
The charges followed a viral video in which the activist referred to himself as “CSP” and described himself as Nigeria’s number one online police officer.
In November 2024, the court granted him ₦2 million bail while the matter continued.
Legal battle comes to an end
With the case now struck out for lack of evidence, the court has brought an end to one of the legal disputes involving the outspoken social media activist.
The development has since generated reactions online, with supporters celebrating the outcome while others continue to debate the circumstances that led to the charges.