Martins Vincent Otse (born April 8, 1994), widely recognized as VeryDarkMan, is a Nigerian activist, social critic, philanthropist, and influencer known for his outspoken stance on civil and political issues in the country.
Originally from Kaduna, Nigeria, he has become a notable and sometimes controversial voice, often challenging the government and societal norms through his public commentary and activism.
VeryDarkMan Biography
Full Name: Martins Vincent Otse
Date of Birth: April 8, 1994
Place of Birth: Kaduna, Nigeria
Profession: Activist, Influencer, Human Rights Advocate, Social Critic, Philanthropist
Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known by his online alias VeryDarkMan, is a prominent Nigerian activist and digital influencer known for using social media as a tool to challenge societal injustice, corruption, and poor governance. Born and raised in Kaduna, Nigeria, he developed a strong voice early in life, driven by a passion for truth, fairness, and social responsibility.
Career and Activism
VeryDarkMan rose to fame for his bold and unapologetic approach to addressing controversial issues affecting everyday Nigerians. His videos, usually delivered in a straightforward and passionate manner, often tackle topics such as human rights abuse, government accountability, and social inequality. His fearless criticism of high-profile individuals and institutions has earned him both praise and backlash.
He is considered a modern-day revolutionary, using digital platforms to amplify the voices of the oppressed and to demand change. His content resonates strongly with the younger generation, who see him as a fearless advocate unafraid to confront powerful entities.
Controversies
VeryDarkMan is no stranger to controversy. His outspoken nature and refusal to back down from sensitive topics have led to multiple run-ins with authorities and social media bans. Critics often accuse him of being too harsh or divisive, while supporters argue that his honesty is necessary in a country struggling with transparency and leadership issues.
Despite the backlash, he remains steadfast in his mission to hold people accountable, often stating that he’s more concerned about justice and reform than popularity.
Philanthropy and Influence
Beyond activism, VeryDarkMan is also involved in philanthropic efforts, occasionally using his platform to raise funds for those in need and to highlight underreported stories from marginalized communities. His influence continues to grow, making him one of the most talked-about public figures in Nigeria’s digital and activist space.
Why VeryDarkMan is Trending
VeryDarkMan was recently arrested outside a GTBank branch in Abuja after visiting the bank with his mother to resolve complaints about suspicious deductions from her account. His legal team alleges that the arrest was violent, involving blindfolding and physical assault. The incident sparked massive outrage online, with users criticizing both GTBank and the EFCC for their roles in the situation. The hashtag calling for a boycott of GTBank began trending shortly afterward.
2. Ongoing Legal Battles and Defamation Lawsuits
He has faced multiple lawsuits in recent months for defamation. Femi Falana, a respected human rights lawyer, and media personality Nedu Wazobia both took legal action after VeryDarkMan accused them of being involved in corrupt practices. Courts have ordered him to remove the defamatory content and refrain from further accusations, drawing more attention to his activities and statements.
3. Accusations Against EFCC and Bobrisky
Earlier, VeryDarkMan stirred controversy by releasing an audio clip alleging that EFCC officials accepted a ₦15 million bribe from Bobrisky. This triggered investigations by the EFCC and summons from the Nigerian House of Representatives. The gravity of these claims pushed him further into the spotlight.
4. Fake NGO Fund Theft as a “Social Experiment”
In another bold move, he claimed ₦180 million had vanished from his NGO account—only to later admit it was a staged experiment aimed at revealing how quickly false narratives can spread on social media. While some applauded the message, others criticized the tactic as irresponsible.
He was also called out by the Nigerian Police for appearing in a police uniform in a video without permission. The authorities labeled the act a criminal offense and launched an investigation, adding to his list of public confrontations with institutions.
What Happened to VeryDarkMan After His Arrest?
On May 2, 2025, popular Nigerian activist and content creator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja. His arrest occurred at a GTBank branch, where he had reportedly gone to resolve some suspicious deductions from his mother’s account.
The EFCC stated that his arrest was in response to multiple complaints accusing him of cyberstalking, online harassment, and defamation through his social media platforms. According to them, his actions may have violated provisions of the Cybercrimes Act of 2015. VDM himself revealed that the authorities suspected him of being involved in money laundering activities.
His arrest sparked widespread criticism and protests, particularly among Nigerian youth and civil society advocates. Demonstrators gathered at GTBank branches demanding his release, accusing both the bank and the EFCC of targeting a social critic. Human rights campaigners, including Omoyele Sowore, condemned the arrest, claiming it was an attempt to intimidate a vocal commentator.
After spending five days in detention, VDM was released on May 7, 2025. However, he is expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to cyberstalking and defamation. This is not his first run-in with the law, as he has previously faced similar legal battles over his outspoken online activities.