Martins Vincent Otse, the social media critic better known as VeryDarkMan, is no stranger to social media kerfuffles. His outspoken nature has landed him in several legal troubles. From defamation claims to a warrant for his arrest, the self-proclaimed activist now faces multiple lawsuits from high-profile Nigerians who allege he has tarnished their reputations with baseless accusations.
TheCable Lifestyle explores the list of Nigerians who have filed a lawsuit against VeryDarkMan.
- Femi Falana and Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana
The human rights lawyer Falana (SAN) and his son Falz filed a defamatory suit against the activist over claims that they accepted a “N10 million bribe” from the crossdresser Bobrisky.
VDM had shared a purported audio conversation wherein Bobrisky alleged Falana and Falz contacted her while she was serving a six-month sentence for naira abuse.
The Falana family also demanded a retraction and apology, threatening legal action.
The activist, however, refused to apologise, arguing that he exposed corruption and did not defame anyone, prompting Falana to proceed with the legal action.
- Bobrisky
In September 2024, Bobrisky, the social media celebrity, also threatened a N1 billion suit against VDM after the activist shared a recording wherein she claimed she bribed some Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials with N15,000,000 to drop the charges against her.
Bobrisky argued that the recording was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to defame and damage her reputation.
- Esinjemiyotan Atsepoyi
Esinjemiyotan, the wife of comedian Mr Jollof, filed a N500 million lawsuit against VeryDarkMan for alleged defamation.
The Abuja-based activist had claimed Esinjemiyotan used promiscuous means to help the comedian secure his appointment as the senior special assistant (SSA) on new media to Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta state governor.
VeryDarkMan also accused Mr Jollof’s wife of having an affair with an internet fraudster at a hotel in Delta.
Esinjemiyotan described VeryDarkMan’s claims as an “intentional attempt” to tarnish her image, seeking N500 million in damages for the “harm caused to my reputation and business”.
- Jeremiah Fufeyin
Jeremiah Fufeyin, thefounder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry in Warri, was not left out. Fufeyin slammed a N1 billion lawsuit against VeryDarkMan for “criticising his miracle soap and water”.
VDM had called out the cleric, arguing that it was “wrong” for him to sell the “God-given divine power” to Nigerians. The critic also revealed that Fufeyin served him a restraining order.
Fufeyin, however, withdrew the suit and advised VDM to “learn from your mistakes and walk in righteousness from now on”.
- Nedu Wazobia
In February, media personality Nedu served VeryDarkMan with a pre-action notice for alleged defamation.
VDM had accused Nedu of sexual exploitation and leaking private conversations between them, stating that he had confided in the OAP about women he had slept with. He further accused the Nedu Scholarship Foundation (NDSCHF) of defrauding an NGO that approached the on-air personality for a partnership.
Nedu asked VDM to retract his statement, publish a public apology, and pay N500 million in damages to avoid further legal action.
- Mercy Chinwo
The latest blow came on Thursday when a chief magistrate court in Abuja issued a warrant for the arrest of VeryDarkMan after he failed to appear for a hearing in a defamation case filed by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
VDM had accused Chinwo of diverting funds from shows without remitting them to her former label, owned by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu.
He also claimed that the gospel singer violated contractual agreements with the label before parting ways.
Responding to the allegations, Chinwo, through her lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi, filed a lawsuit against the social media critic, seeking N1.1 billion in damages.
She accused VDM of making “libellous, malicious, spiteful, malevolent, and grossly defamatory statements” that impugn her image.
The singer also demanded that he retract his statements, delete the alleged defamatory posts, and issue a public apology.
VDM, however, took to social media to share a snippet of a forthcoming diss track against Chinwo.
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