Table of Contents
Early Life and Background, Career Beginnings, Rise to Fame as a Social Critic, Influence and Celebrity Endorsement, Controversies and Legal Battles, Recent Developments (2025), Impact and Legacy, Conclusion
Early Life and Background
Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was born on April 8, 1994, in Edo State, Nigeria. However, he spent a significant part of his childhood in Kaduna State, where he was raised in a modest family. His father was a mechanic, and his mother worked as a caregiver. This humble upbringing played a role in shaping his outspoken and resilient personality.
VDM’s educational background is somewhat limited, as reports indicate that he only obtained an Ordinary Level (O-Level) certificate, which is the equivalent of a secondary school qualification. There is no record of him attending a university or acquiring higher education.
Career Beginnings
Before gaining fame as a social media activist, VDM initially pursued a career in fashion and fitness modeling. He also landed minor acting roles in popular Nigerian TV series, including:
• “Hush”
• “Tinsel”
• “The Johnsons”
While these opportunities gave him some exposure, they were not enough to make him a household name. However, his entry into social media activism in 2022 marked a turning point in his career.
Rise to Fame as a Social Critic
VDM gained prominence by using his platform to critique societal issues in Nigeria. His content, often shared on Instagram, included:
• Exposing alleged fraudulent practices
• Calling out social injustices
• Criticizing Nigerian celebrities and influencers
• Addressing political corruption
His bold and direct approach resonated with many Nigerians, especially youths who saw him as a fearless voice against societal ills.
Influence and Celebrity Endorsement
His popularity soared in June 2023 when Afrobeats superstar Davido followed him on Instagram and publicly supported his work. This endorsement brought him wider recognition and earned him a nomination for Silverbird’s Most Influential Social Media Influencer of the Year award.
Read also Biography of David Adedeji Adeleke (Davido)
Controversies and Legal Battles
March 2024: Arrest Over Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking
In March 2024, VDM was arrested by the Nigerian Police on allegations of cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Authorities accused him of spreading false information against Nigerian actresses and government officials.
• He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
• He was remanded in police custody for several weeks, awaiting his hearing scheduled for May 29, 2024.
• He was released after two weeks, sparking mixed reactions from the public.
June 2024: Another Arrest Over Defamation
Barely a month after his release, VDM was again arrested in Abuja for allegedly defaming prominent individuals through social media exposés.
• He was questioned by the police on June 30, 2024, over accusations that he made false claims about a top government official.
• Reports of his arrest circulated widely, but police later clarified that he was only invited for questioning and not formally arrested.
September 2024: Legal Threat from Falana & Falana Chambers
In September 2024, VDM faced another legal issue when Falana & Falana Chambers, a law firm owned by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), issued him a 24-hour ultimatum.
• The firm demanded an immediate retraction and public apology after VDM allegedly made defamatory statements against Femi Falana in a September 25, 2024, Instagram post.
• Failure to comply could have led to legal action for defamation.
December 2024: Fake ₦180 Million Hacking Claim
In December 2024, VDM claimed that his NGO’s bank account had been hacked, resulting in a loss of ₦180 million.
• This claim shocked his followers, as many sympathized with him.
• However, he later admitted that the story was completely false.
• He explained that he fabricated the claim to test the gullibility of Nigerians and to highlight the dangers of spreading unverified information.
His confession triggered outrage and backlash, with many people accusing him of manipulating public emotions.
Recent Developments (2025)
In January 2025, VDM found himself in another controversy, this time involving Afrobeats star Burna Boy.
• During a concert, Burna Boy walked off stage after a fan rushed towards him.
• However, a few weeks later, Burna Boy reacted differently to a similar situation with a foreign fan.
• VDM called him out, accusing him of treating Nigerian fans poorly compared to foreign fans.
This sparked debates online, with some agreeing with VDM while others defended Burna Boy.
Impact and Legacy
VDM remains one of Nigeria’s most controversial social media influencers. His fearless approach to tackling sensitive issues has earned him both praise and criticism.
Positive Contributions
✔ Raised awareness on social justice issues.
✔ Exposed fraudulent individuals and practices.
✔ Inspired youths to be more vocal about injustice.
Criticism and Backlash
✘ Accused of spreading false information.
✘ Engaged in cyberbullying and defamation.
✘ Fabricated a fake hacking story that damaged his credibility.
Conclusion
Martins Vincent Otse, a.k.a. VeryDarkMan (VDM), is a complex and polarizing figure in Nigerian social media. While some admire his courage and activism, others criticize his methods and controversial tactics.
Regardless of public opinion, he continues to be a major voice in Nigeria’s online space, shaping discussions around social justice, celebrity accountability, and political transparency.
Will his influence last? Or will his controversial methods lead to his downfall?
Only time will tell.
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