Everything You Should Know About Nigeria’s Boldest Activist Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan
What happens when one ordinary man decides to speak the truths everyone else is too afraid to utter? A man who decided to intervene in a nation where silence often feels safer than honesty, who dares to challenge power, expose hypocrisy, and refuse to bow to fear?That man is Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan or simply VDM. A name that is now impossible to ignore in Nigeria’s digital space. VeryDarkMan was born in the streets of Kaduna on April 8, 1994. Although he is originally from Agenebode in Edo State.
His Early Days
Unlike many social media stars who chase fame through dance videos or comedy skits, VDM found his calling in something much more serious. Then he started making simple videos using his phone’s front camera, talking directly to viewers about the problems everyday Nigerians face. These weren’t fancy videos with perfect lighting or professional editing. They were raw, honest conversations about police extortion, fake products, and the lies people in power tell.
Some of his early videos were focused on protecting consumers from dangerous skincare products and calling out miracle cure sellers who preyed on desperate people. While other influencers promoted whatever brands paid them the most, VDM took a different path. He refused paid promotions, but instead, he decided to build trust with his audience by always telling the truth, even when it hurt.
How Did He Rise to Fame?
In 2022 and 2023, something spectacular started happening. VDM’s videos began spreading like wildfire across TikTok and Instagram. Some Nigerians who had never heard of him before were sharing his videos where he warned Nigerian ladies about unregulated bleaching products and fake miracle prophetic water sellers.
What made VDM different from other social media influencers was his courage to call out and list names. While others spoke in general terms about corruption and fraud, VDM pointed fingers directly at specific people and companies. He called out celebrities, business owners, and even government officials without fear.
VeryDakMan’s breakthrough moment came when Afrobeats superstar Davido began following and supporting him publicly. His recognition also reached its peak when he received a nomination for Silverbird’s Most Influential Social Media Influencer of the Year. For someone who had started with nothing but a phone and strong opinions, this nomination proved that Nigeria’s establishment was finally taking him seriously.
Why is He The People’s Champion?
VDM uses the term “I have nothing to lose” which makes a lot of people question his kind. Let’s be honest. If you have any significant thing to your name, you will never dare to lose it. He also calls himself a “Ratel”, the “online police”, and sometimes “the fourth arm of government”.
His impact goes beyond just making videos. When VDM posts about a scam or dangerous product, regulators often spring into action. Most brands find themselves having to answer questions they’d rather avoid. In fact, some celebrities who once felt untouchable have discovered that public opinion can be a powerful force when someone with VDM’s reach decides to investigate their affairs.
His Controversy and The Price For Speaking Out
There’s a saying that success and controversy walk hand in hand, and VDM learned this lesson the hard way. So his willingness to call out powerful people eventually led to serious legal troubles. VeryDarkMan believed there’s always free speech as long as he is not doing the wrong thing. He has called out so many people that later caused some controversies. Some of them includes:
Falana Family Defamation Suit (Ongoing, Adjourned to January 2026)
In 2024, VeryDarkMan faced a defamation lawsuit from senior advocate Femi Falana and his son, musician Falz. The lawsuit followed VeryDarkMan’s publication of a defamatory video on September 24, 2024, alleging involvement of Falana and Falz in a corrupt deal linked to Nigerian crossdresser Bobrisky.
However, the Lagos State High Court ordered VeryDarkMan to remove the video and restrained him from releasing further defamatory content against the Falana family.
GTBank Unauthorized Debits Saga (May 2025)
The most serious challenge he faced was on May 2, 2025, when the Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested VDM in Abuja after he publicly accused GTBank of unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account, escalating into a confrontation at a bank branch.
This led to his reported arrest at GTBank’s premises on allegations of causing a disturbance, with EFCC involvement. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, claimed EFCC officials labeled VDM a “bandit” and denied access to him, sparking public outrage over free speech and banking practices.
Cyberbullying Re-Arraignment (May 2025)
Another controversy he faced was when he was re-arraigned in Abuja’s Federal High Court for alleged cyberstalking and harassment of actresses Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, and producer Samklef, among others.
The trial was set for July 2025, stemming from earlier 2024 disputes but revived with fresh proceedings. This highlighted his pattern of online feuds with celebrities.
NAFDAC Accusation of Colluding with Fake Drug Merchants (May 2025)
Next on the list was when Nigeria’s drug regulatory agency accused VDM of partnering with counterfeit drug sellers to mislead the public via his social media campaigns. This arose from his activism against substandard products, but NAFDAC claimed it was a ploy to incite unrest.
Mercy Chinwo’s N1.1 billion defamation lawsuit VeryDarkMan (May 2025)
In February 2025, VDM called out Mercy Chinwo of misappropriating $345,000 linked to her former record label boss. Then in March 3, 2025, Mercy Chinwo filed a N1.1 billion defamation lawsuit against VeryDarkMan at the High Court in Abuja, demanding retraction, deletion of posts, and a public apology.
Feud with Iyabo Ojo, Samklef, Dr. Dre, and Others Over Mohbad’s Justice Saga (July-August 2025)
The interesting and shocking part of it was when VDM reignited calls for justice in the late singer Mohbad’s case, accusing Iyabo Ojo and others of turning it into a “season film” for clout. VDM accused Iyabo Ojo of manipulation and lying, extending to Samklef and Dr. Dre.
Izzy Ogbeide Fallout and Exposure (August 2025)
Another recent saga was with a former supporter Izzy Ogbeide. When she accused VDM of ingratitude, manipulation, and begging for monetization help. She vowed to release voice notes exposing his past, including alleged controversial business dealings in Abuja.
Phyna (BBNaija Star) Betrayal and Dangote Saga (August 2025)
Recently, VDM has clashed with BBNaija star Phyna over her sister’s accident involving a Dangote truck. VeryDarkMan accused Phyna of betrayal after she went live with Izzy Ogbeide, allegedly sidelining him. Phyna was hospitalized amid the drama, with Nigerians accusing her of disloyalty. Phyna responded by explaining that she felt betrayed because VeryDarkMan stopped responding to her after Dangote’s intervention for her sister’s treatment.
She apologized to VeryDarkMan and acknowledged his support but expressed disappointment over how the situation was handled. Following this incident, VeryDarkMan set new rules for managing cases, citing repeated betrayals like this one.
Now, VDM has set new rules for handling cases post-this incident, citing repeated betrayals.
Is He A New Kind of Journalist?
What makes VDM’s story so interesting is how he represents a new form of journalism in Nigeria. Even some of the traditional media outlets, bound by legal constraints and business relationships, often avoid the kinds of hard hitting investigations that VDM pursues fearlessly.
The strategies he used has made him enemies among people who profit from the status quo, but it has also earned him millions of loyal followers who see him as their defender against scams and corruption.
Impact on Nigerian Society
VDM’s influence has extended far beyond entertainment or social media metrics. He has changed how stories break in Nigeria, with his videos often setting the agenda for traditional media outlets. When VDM posts about an issue, newspaper editors know they need to pay attention because millions of Nigerians are already talking about it.
His consumer protection work has probably saved countless Nigerians from dangerous products and fraudulent schemes. By refusing to take money from brands, he maintains credibility that allows him to warn people about products that could harm them.
Perhaps most importantly, VDM has shown ordinary Nigerians that they don’t have to accept corruption and fraud quietly. His example has also inspired others to speak out against injustice, by creating a ripple effect across Nigerian social media.
Legacy in the Making
Whether you see VDM as a hero fighting for justice or a troublemaker disrupting the peace, one thing is undeniable: he has fundamentally changed how Nigerians consume and create media content. He has proven that you don’t need a journalism degree or a media house behind you to hold powerful people accountable.
His journey from Martins Vincent Otse to VeryDarkMan shows how one person’s courage to question authority can inspire millions and change a nation’s conversation. Whether that change ultimately proves positive or negative may depend on how Nigeria chooses to balance free speech with responsible communication in the digital age.
For now, VDM remains exactly what he calls himself: the people’s voice in an era when people desperately need someone willing to speak for them, regardless of the consequences.
