Martins Vincent Otse, better known by his social media pseudonym VeryDarkMan (VDM), has become a polarizing figure in Nigeria’s digital landscape. Known for his outspoken views and controversial statements, VDM gained prominence as an activist, critic, and social media influencer. However, his journey has been marred by numerous controversies and legal challenges that have brought him into conflict with authorities and celebrities alike.
Rise to Prominence
Born on April 8, 1994, in Lagos, Nigeria, VeryDarkMan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos. His journey to fame began in 2022 when he started posting provocative and often controversial content on his social media platforms, particularly Instagram. His videos, which often targeted Nigerian celebrities and public figures, quickly gained traction, drawing both admiration and criticism. By June 2023, his influence had grown significantly, earning him a follow from Nigerian music superstar Davido, who publicly endorsed him. This endorsement further propelled VDM into the spotlight, culminating in a nomination for Silverbird’s Most Influential Social Media Influencer of the Year award.
Legal Troubles Begin
Despite his growing popularity, VeryDarkMan’s controversial approach led to several legal issues. In March 2024, he was arrested for the first time on charges of cyberbullying and cyberstalking. The allegations stemmed from his inflammatory remarks about Nigerian actresses and police officials, which were seen as defamatory and harmful. VDM pleaded not guilty but was remanded in police custody, awaiting a hearing scheduled for May 29, 2024. After two weeks in detention, he was released, only to be rearrested in June 2024 on similar charges.
This second arrest took place at his Abuja residence, and it involved allegations related to a social media exposé in which VDM accused high-ranking police officers and senators of inappropriate behavior. Although he was questioned by the police, VDM was released shortly after, with no formal arrest being made.
Repeated Arrests and Controversies
The legal battles did not end there. VDM was arrested again in late May 2024, marking his fourth arrest of the year. This time, his lawyer, Ademola Oyedokun, accused the police of manipulating the situation to keep his client in custody. The charges against VDM primarily revolved around his provocative statements made in March 2024, targeting senior police officials and cross-dresser Bobrisky (Idris Okuneye). VDM had alleged that the police officials were involved in sexual relationships with Bobrisky, a claim that was perceived as cyberstalking under Nigeria’s Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
VDM’s lawyer criticized the criminal justice system, highlighting the delays in the bail process that kept his client in custody. Although a bail application was filed, the police requested 48 hours to respond, which delayed the process further. Consequently, VDM’s bail application was not ready for hearing on the scheduled date, leading to his continued detention.
The Charges Against VeryDarkMan
The charges leveled against VeryDarkMan are serious and multifaceted, primarily focusing on his social media activities. He faced a five-count charge of cyberstalking, with specific accusations including:
- Posting Offensive Content: On October 29, 2023, VDM allegedly posted a video on Instagram that contained offensive, pornographic, or menacing information. The video falsely claimed that Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo was involved in an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter. This action was deemed to violate Section 24 (1)(a) of the Cybercrime Act.
- False Accusations Against Tonto Dikeh: On January 19, 2024, VDM was accused of falsely alleging that Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh was involved in the criminal conversion of crowdfunding proceeds and that she was behind the infamous Gistlover blog. This was seen as an attempt to cause annoyance, inconvenience, and other harm, violating Section 24 (1)(b) of the Cybercrime Act.
- Defamatory Remarks About Police Officials: In March 2024, VDM posted another video in which he accused senior police officers and lawmakers of engaging in sexual activities with Bobrisky. This was another instance of alleged cyberstalking under the Cybercrime Act.
- Allegations of Pimping: VDM also claimed in the same March 2024 video that Bobrisky was pimping young boys to senators and senior police officers, a statement intended to cause annoyance and harm, further adding to the cyberstalking charges against him.
Current Status and Future Prospects
As of now, VeryDarkMan remains in police custody, with his next court hearing scheduled for June 3, 2024. His legal team is actively working on securing his bail, but the process has been fraught with delays and complications. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both VDM and the broader discourse on free speech, cybercrime, and social media activism in Nigeria.
VeryDarkMan’s journey from a social media influencer to a figure embroiled in legal battles highlights the complex and often perilous intersection of activism, digital media, and the law in Nigeria. Whether VDM will be able to overcome these challenges and continue his activism remains to be seen, but his story serves as a cautionary tale for those who use social media platforms to voice controversial opinions in a highly polarized society.
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Verydarkman Questions Celebrities Who Gave Bobrisky Money.
What Made VeryDarkMan Popular: The Rise of a Nigerian Social Media Sensation
What Is VeryDarkMan’s Real Name
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