the rise of Very darkman the nigerian influencer his origins real name his source of income profession and previous aquantances . how bankrolls his projects any conspiracy theories on the internet about if he is scammer aka yahoo yahoo 419 or has ties to obi cubana and other suspected ritualists how many times he has been arrested
From Kaduna’s Streets to Nigeria’s Digital Frontlines: The Rise and Controversies of VeryDarkMan
Martins Vincent Otse, widely known by his online moniker VeryDarkMan (VDM), has emerged as a formidable voice in Nigeria’s digital landscape. Born on April 8, 1994, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Otse hails from Benin City, Edo State. His journey from the streets of Kaduna to becoming a prominent activist, blogger, and influencer underscores a narrative of audacity, controversy, and relentless advocacy.Premium Times Nigeria+11Sahara Reporters+11Sahara Reporters+11
Origins and Digital Ascent
Otse’s foray into the public eye began in 2022, leveraging social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to disseminate his views. His content, often characterized by candid critiques of societal issues, quickly garnered attention. A significant boost to his profile came in June 2023 when Nigerian singer Davido followed and publicly endorsed him on Instagram. This endorsement, coupled with his nomination for Silverbird’s Most Influential Social Media Influencer of the Year award, cemented his status in the digital sphere.
Professional Endeavors and Income Streams
While Otse is primarily recognized for his activism and blogging, he also identifies as a philanthropist. His income sources are multifaceted, encompassing social media monetization, brand endorsements, and possibly donations to his non-governmental organization (NGO). In a notable incident, Otse publicly rebuffed an attempt by an individual to use his NGO’s account for fraudulent activities, emphasizing his commitment to integrity.
Legal Entanglements and Arrests
Otse’s outspoken nature has led to multiple legal confrontations. In March 2024, he was arrested on allegations of cyberbullying and cyberstalking, particularly concerning false accusations against Nigerian actresses and officials. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in police custody until his hearing on May 29, 2024. After two weeks in detention, he was released.
Subsequently, in June 2024, he was arrested again at his Abuja residence on defamation charges related to a social media exposé. Otse was questioned by police on June 30, 2024, regarding defamation allegations and released shortly after. +1Sahara Reporters+1
On May 2, 2025, he was arrested on allegations of cyberstalking shortly after visiting a Guarantee Trust Bank branch in Abuja, where he complained about unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account. This arrest was carried out by masked individuals whose identities were not fully revealed, leading to speculations about their affiliation with either the EFCC or the DSS.
Allegations and Conspiracy Theories
Otse has been at the center of various allegations and conspiracy theories. Notably, he accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of orchestrating a plot to arrest him over his criticisms of the agency and its chairman. He claimed that an influential lawyer and a popular social media influencer visited the EFCC Abuja office, presenting evidence to implicate him. +2Premium Times Nigeria+2Daily Post Nigeria+2Vanguard News+2OtownGist Media+2Daily Post Nigeria+2
Furthermore, Otse released a leaked audio recording of crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, alleging that EFCC officials collected N15 million from him to drop money laundering charges. This revelation led to the EFCC inviting both Bobrisky and Otse to assist in investigations. Sahara Reporters+3Premium Times Nigeria+3Daily Post Nigeria+3
Associations and Public Perception
Otse’s critiques have extended to prominent figures, including businessman Obi Cubana. He accused Cubana of not making significant contributions to Nigerian youths, leading to public rebuttals from individuals like music producer Samklef, who defended Cubana’s contributions to wealth creation and employment. NotjustOk
Despite the controversies, Otse maintains a substantial following, with supporters lauding his courage to speak against perceived injustices. However, detractors question his methods and the veracity of his claims.
Martins Vincent Otse, or VeryDarkMan, embodies the complexities of modern digital activism in Nigeria. His rise from Kaduna to national prominence illustrates the power of social media as a tool for advocacy and the challenges that accompany such visibility. As he continues to navigate legal battles and public scrutiny, Otse remains a polarizing figure, emblematic of the tensions between free expression and accountability in the digital age