MAN IN THE NEWS: Who can tame the controversial activist VeryDarkMan?

VeryDarkMan (VDM) is a relatively enigmatic figure; he is resolute, bewildering, outspoken, and unapologetically passionate about activism. The Edo-born controversialist, whose birth name is Martins Vincent Otse, is seen by Nigerians through different lenses. To some, he is synonymous with fearless advocacy, using his online presence to fight for the marginalized. To others, he is a cyberbully who spreads allegations likely to bring about defamation.

RISE TO FAME

Otse grew up in Lagos and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The 30-year-old fitness expert was said to have started his career as a social media marketer, helping brands grow their presence on social media.

VDM, now based in Abuja, began to gain attention for his Instagram videos on trending topics, specifically calling out a skincare brand for allegedly selling bad products to the public. He also shared a video showing the skincare brand’s Abuja branch being sealed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This earned him widespread accolades from some Nigerians, including celebrities like Davido and Korra Obidi.

Since then, VDM has become known for his audacious commentaries, using his platform to expose perceived injustices, challenge norms, and spark critical conversations.

INVOLVEMENT IN HIGH-PROFILE CONTROVERSIES AND MULTIPLE DETENTIONS

Otse stepped into the spotlight properly in September 2023 after sharing a video asking for a DNA test to be performed on Liam, the son of late singer Mohbad. The activist made several allegations against Omowunmi, the wife of the former Marlian Records artiste, claiming she “is a prime suspect and should be arrested for his death“.

In January, Tonto Dikeh, the actress, secured the arrest of VDM over alleged cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Dikeh also expressed her desire to “put an end to all the shenanigans” of the social media influencer.

VDM, who was later released from police custody, accused the actress of threatening to take his life. “Tonto Dikeh knows my routine. She has thrown out the threat and I have reported it to the police. I am pleading,” he claimed.

The activist was arrested again on March 22 but released on March 31. VeryDarkman’s legal representative revealed he was arrested and detained based on a petition filed by the actresses Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo, and singer Samklef.

On May 22, VDM was arraigned at the federal high court in Abuja on five counts bordering on cyberstalking.

One of the charges, which was filed by the Nigerian police, alleged that the defendant posted videos on his Instagram handle containing information that was “grossly offensive, pornographic or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character”.

In another charge, the defendant was said to have alleged that Ojo was having an indecent sexual relationship with Priscilla, her daughter. Police further claimed that the defendant alleged that Dikeh was the person behind the gossip blog Gistlover.

VeryDarkMan was, however, granted bail on June 10 after three weeks in detention.

Another victim of VDM’s activism is Jeremiah Fufeyin, the founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry in Warri, Delta state.

Fufeyin had in June revealed that his “miracle soap is government-approved”. The cleric claimed that the soap had a registered number from the NAFDAC. But VeryDarkMan called out the cleric and the agency, arguing that it was “wrong” for Fufeyin to sell his “God-given divine power” to Nigerians.

“I will send a petition to NAFDAC to tell me the basis on which they approved the soap for Nigerians to buy from this pastor,” he said.

In another video, VDM revealed that Fufeyin served him with a lawsuit of N1 billion and a restraining order for calling him out over his “miracle soap and water”. The cleric later withdrew the suit and advised the critic to “learn from your mistakes and walk in righteousness from now on”.

Fufeyin’s prayers appeared to have gone unanswered as VDM recently accused Esinjemiyotan Atsepoyi, the wife of comedian Mr Jollof, of infidelity.

The activist alleged that Mr Jollof’s wife, through promiscuity, helped him secure his position as the SSA on new media to Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta.

The social media celebrity also claimed Esinjemiyotan had an affair with an internet fraudster at a hotel in Delta. The comedian’s wife denied the allegations. She also demanded an immediate retraction and public apology.

Amid Esinjemiyotan’s warning letter, VDM found himself embroiled in another controversy involving rapper Falz and his father Femi Falana, who is a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and the crossdresser Bobrisky. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) were also not spared from the turmoil.

On September 24, VeryDarkMan shared a purported audio conversation wherein Bobrisky claimed that she spoke with Falz in prison and that the rapper and his dad “tried to get me a presidential pardon in exchange for N10,000,000″.

The crossdresser, whose birth name is Idris Okuneye, was released from prison on August 5 after she was sentenced to six months on April 12 for abusing the naira.

VeryDarkMan also shared another purported audio recording in which Bobrisky appeared to have boasted about bribing some of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials with N15 million to drop the money laundering charges against her. She also alleged that Falz and his dad helped with the process.

In the footage, the crossdresser claimed her “godfather” alongside Haliru Nababa, the NCoS controller general, ensured she served the six-month sentence in a private apartment, and not the prison.

“Falz and Femi Falana spoke to Bobrisky in order to diverge justice. And this same Falz dare to say he is fighting against government’s oppression,” VDM said.

The self-proclaimed transgender would later deny the bribery claim, arguing that the viral recording was “fake”. The social media celebrity also insisted that “I served my term in prison”.

Bobrisky’s denial came after the anti-graft agency invited her and VeryDarkMan over bribery allegations against its officials. Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC chairman, also ordered an immediate investigation into the allegations.

Also, in a letter through Falana & Falana Chambers, Falz demanded an immediate retraction and apology for the claims made in the video. The rapper clarified that it was Bobrisky who called him to seek financial assistance of “N3 million to pay some officials,” which he declined.

Falana also described the allegations as a “vicious and reckless” attempt to “impugn my reputation”. The SAN issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Abuja-based activist to retract his statement or face legal action.

In his response, VeryDarkMan, through Deji Adeyanju, his legal representative, denied putting out a defamatory statement against the human rights lawyer and the rapper.

He, however, failed to apologise or retract the statement as requested, prompting Folakemi Falana, the daughter of the SAN, to take the defamation suit to court.

WHO WILL ‘BELL THE CAT — VERYDARKMAN’?

Will VeryDarkMan’s controversy ever end? Despite the backlash, his activism continues to fetch him huge followership online. His commentaries also continue to leave polarised opinions on social media. While detractors argue that his approach is sometimes defamatory, supporters view him as a bold advocate.

Recently, Ruggedman, the rapper, said he stopped backing VeryDarkMan because his approach towards activism is “invading people’s privacy and not logical”.

VeryDarkMan’s activism also raises questions and concerns about freedom of speech, responsible communication, verification in online discourse, and social media’s role in shaping public opinion.

However, the activist’s controversies may continue to be an ongoing issue, with no clear end in sight. This is given his constitutional right to free speech, extensive online presence, and determination to pursue confrontational activism not minding whose ox is gored.

In an Instagram video on Friday addressing Folakemi’s planned lawsuit, the activist said he remains “unbothered” and is prepared for any consequences, including legal action from the Falanas.

“There is no problem, give or take, if e too bad— you lock me up for six months. If e too bad sef, you lock me up for one year,” he said.

“… I don’t care. If eventually, if at the end of the day una throw me enter cell, there’s no problem. I swear to God I am not bothered.”