Biography and Early Life
Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan or VDM, was born on April 8, 1994, in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Although he was born in Kaduna, he hails from Edo State, specifically from the Bini ethnic group in Benin City. His family later relocated to Abuja (FCT), where he spent most of his childhood and formative years.
Growing up in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory exposed young Martins to diverse cultures, socio-economic realities, and the stark contrasts of Nigerian society, opulence alongside poverty, power alongside powerlessness. These early observations would later fuel his passion for social justice and his uncompromising approach to calling out societal ills.
Raised in a Christian household, VDM’s upbringing emphasized values of integrity, boldness, and speaking truth, principles that would define his controversial career as a social media activist. His unique moniker, “VeryDarkMan,” humorously references his dark complexion while symbolizing his commitment to unfiltered truth, strength, and raw critique of Nigerian society.
Educational Background
VDM completed his primary and secondary education in Abuja, though he has kept specific school names private. Different sources provide varying accounts of his tertiary education:
University of Lagos (UNILAG): Some sources indicate he attended UNILAG, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. His time at this prestigious institution reportedly exposed him to Nigeria’s vibrant intellectual and political discourse.
Lafia Polytechnic: VDM himself mentioned attending Lafia Polytechnic in Nasarawa State in one of his videos while recounting a near-death experience during his student days.
The exact details of his educational background remain somewhat unclear, as VDM maintains privacy about certain personal details while being extraordinarily public about his activism and social commentary.
Early Career and Pre-Fame Activities
Dreadlocks Specialist
Before gaining fame as an activist, VDM worked as a dreadlocks specialist, a skilled handwork he continues to pride himself on. He has often mentioned that this craft helped him earn a living and maintains that practical skills like his provide more dignity than many other hustles.
True to his activist spirit, VDM occasionally assists individuals who need financial support to learn skills, reflecting his commitment to empowerment beyond just social media commentary.
Sexual Content Creation (Past)
In a candid revelation that shocked many followers, VDM disclosed that he had previously been involved in sexual content creation to make money. He has since publicly renounced his past, explaining that he stopped due to the “dark sides” of the industry and his personal growth. This honesty about his past, rather than hiding it, demonstrates the unfiltered transparency that characterizes his public persona.
Rise to Prominence as Social Media Activist
Early Social Media Presence (2020-2022)
VDM began posting reaction videos and opinion pieces on social issues around 2020, initially gaining modest attention. His style was direct, loud, and unapologetic,using humor and blunt truth-telling to call out public figures, government officials, celebrities, and societal hypocrisy.
Breakthrough Year (2023)
By 2023, VDM’s content had gone viral, with his fearless call-outs and controversial videos attracting massive attention. Several events accelerated his rise:
Jenny’s Glow Controversy: VDM gained significant traction by calling out Jenny’s Glow, a popular skincare brand, for allegedly selling unregistered products without proper NAFDAC approval. His persistent campaign led to regulatory action, with the brand being sealed and distribution stopped,a major victory that established him as an effective activist who could produce real-world results.
Davido’s Endorsement (June 2023): Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido followed VDM on Instagram and publicly endorsed him, catapulting him into mainstream recognition. This celebrity endorsement validated his activism to millions of Nigerians and dramatically expanded his audience.
Silverbird Nomination (January 2024): VDM was nominated for Silverbird’s Most Influential Social Media Influencer of the Year award, recognizing his impact on Nigerian social and political conversations.
The “Online Police” Persona
VDM proudly identifies as Nigeria’s “Online Police”,a self-given title representing his role in holding scammers, fake news peddlers, fraudulent businesses, and dishonest individuals accountable. His activism focuses on:
Consumer Protection: Exposing fraudulent products, particularly unregistered health and skincare items lacking NAFDAC approval.
Anti-Scam Campaigns: Calling out individuals and businesses that defraud Nigerians, often recovering money for victims.
Celebrity and Influencer Accountability: Challenging celebrities and influencers who promote harmful products, spread misinformation, or behave irresponsibly.
Societal Critique: Addressing broader issues, including corruption, poor governance, police brutality, and social injustice.
Ad-Free Platform: Unlike most influencers, VDM runs an ad-free platform, refusing paid promotions to maintain independence and avoid bias,a principled stance that enhances his credibility.
Major Controversies and Confrontations
VDM’s confrontational activism has generated numerous high-profile controversies:
Iyabo Ojo Dispute
VDM accused actress Iyabo Ojo of advertising counterfeit products, including fake perfumes, on her social media channels. He also criticized her participation in the 12345678 challenge, which he argued set a poor example for young people by revealing inappropriate content.
Ojo responded furiously, calling VDM a “beast,” blaming his mother for not raising him properly, and threatening physical confrontation. The dispute eventually subsided, but damaged both parties’ public images.
Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin Battle
One of VDM’s most publicized confrontations involved Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, founder of MercyLand Deliverance Ministry in Warri. VDM accused the prophet of exploiting followers by selling “miracle water” and “miracle soa,p” claiming supernatural powers.
The clash escalated dramatically:
- Prophet Jeremiah threatened a ₦1 billion lawsuit
- VDM stormedthe NAFDAC offices to file complaints against the prophet’s products
- Under regulatory and public pressure, the prophet reversed his decision to sell the products
- He eventually dropped the lawsuit
This victory demonstrated VDM’s effectiveness in using regulatory channels alongside public pressure to achieve accountability.
Bobrisky-Falz-Femi Falana SAN Controversy
In September 2024, VDM released audio allegedly featuring crossdresser Bobrisky discussing bribery involving celebrities and officials. The controversy implicated:
Falz (Folarin Falana): Popular rapper and son of human rights lawyer Femi Falana SAN
Femi Falana SAN: Renowned human rights lawyer
VDM’s commentary suggested connections between Falz, his father, and attempts to secure a presidential pardon for convicted Bobrisky. Falana & Falana Chambers issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding an apology and retraction for alleged defamatory remarks.
VDM responded by denying defamation, stating he respects Femi Falana for his human rights work and arguing that Bobrisky, not VDM, should be held accountable for statements in the leaked audio.
Mercy Chinwo Lawsuit (April 2024)
Gospel music star Mercy Chinwo filed a ₦1.1 billion defamation lawsuit against VDM at the Federal High Court, Abuja, stemming from his online commentary regarding her dispute with former manager Ezekiel Thankgod Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee). The case remains pending and is viewed by free speech advocates as a test of Nigeria’s defamation laws in the social media age.
Ihuoma Nneji Lawsuit (May 2024)
Ihuoma Nneji, daughter of ABC Transport founder Frank Nneji, filed a defamation suit against VDM (alongside controversial journalist Dr. Kemi Olunloyo), alleging coordinated online character assassination targeting her personal and professional life.
Blessing CEO Dispute
VDM questioned relationship expert Blessing CEO’s advice, accusing her of misinforming followers. The dispute erupted into mutual trading of insults on social media, bolstering VDM’s reputation as an outspoken critic unafraid of confrontation.
Ashumsy Call-Out
Social media influencer Ashumsy received ₦1 million from a small businessman for advertising services but failed to deliver. VDM publicly called her out, resulting in her returning the money unconditionally while crying and begging VDM to stop.
This incident exemplified VDM’s approach: public shaming combined with demands for restitution, which often proves effective despite ethical questions about mob justice.
Davido LGBTQ+ Controversy
After Davido expressed support for a cousin who came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community, VDM criticized the musician, stating, “I’ve lost all respect.” His remarks triggered widespread debate about freedom of association, celebrity influence, and LGBTQ+ rights in Nigeria.
While some applauded his stance as reflecting conservative Nigerian values, others condemned it as homophobic and regressive, arguing that public figures should promote inclusivity rather than fuel discrimination.
Arrests and Legal Battles
VDM’s outspoken activism has led to multiple arrests and detention by Nigerian authorities:
March 2024 Arrest (Cyberbullying and Defamation)
VDM was arrested on charges of cyberbullying and cyberstalking, including making allegedly false claims against Nigerian actors and authorities. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in police custody. After two weeks in detention, he was released on bail pending trial scheduled for May 29, 2024.
Many supporters viewed this arrest as an attempt to silence him and stifle his activism, while others saw it as necessary accountability for his online conduct.
June 2024 Arrest (Defamation)
VDM faced fresh arrest in June 2024 at his Abuja residence on defamation charges related to social media posts. On June 30, 2024, he was briefly questioned by police and released shortly after.
EFCC Detention (May 2025)
In what became his most controversial detention, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested VDM in May 2025. The circumstances were particularly troubling:
- His mother was also initially detained and taken to EFCC headquarters
- The detention was not immediately acknowledged by EFCC
- The legal team condemned it as violating constitutional rights
- Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore called for his immediate release
- Hashtag #FreeVeryDarkMan trended nationwide
Release (May 7, 2025): After five days in EFCC custody, VDM was released following public pressure. Omoyele Sowore announced via X (formerly Twitter): “Thanks to the unrelenting efforts of all, @thatverydarkman has been released from unjust detention at the @officialEFCC!”
His release was celebrated as a victory for civil rights and free expression, though the incident ignited conversations about press freedom, due process, and the use of state power to silence activists. As of the release, EFCC had not formally charged VDM with any crime.
Activism in Action: The Yelewata Massacre Protest (June 16, 2025)
Following the Yelewata massacre in Benue State in June 2025, VDM engaged in peaceful protest alongside community youth at the Wurukum food market roundabout in Makurdi. The protest demanded immediate intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Benue State government, demonstrating VDM’s activism extends beyond online commentary to physical, on-ground engagement with national issues.
Philanthropic Work
Beyond calling out wrongdoers, VDM engages in philanthropic activities:
Skills Empowerment: Assists individuals who need financial support to learn handwork skills, believing practical skills provide dignity and independence.
Community Development: Recently helped a community build a water borehole, addressing basic infrastructure needs.
Financial Recovery: Has successfully recovered money for fraud victims through public pressure campaigns.
Youth Mentorship: Encourages young people to develop practical skills and resist get-rich-quick schemes.
Income Sources and Net Worth
Unlike traditional entertainers or politicians, VDM’s income derives from:
Social Media Influence: Despite refusing paid advertisements, he receives donations and support from followers who appreciate his activism.
Collaborations: Occasional partnerships with brands and organizations aligned with his values.
Public Speaking: Participates in seminars, panel discussions, and events on social justice and governance.
Handwork Skills: Continues earning from his dreadlocks specialization.
Estimated Net Worth (2025): Varies significantly across sources,from $50,000 to $500,000 (approximately ₦75 million to ₦750 million). Most conservative estimates place it around ₦100 million ($240,000 USD). His modest lifestyle and ad-free platform suggest he prioritizes impact over wealth accumulation.
Personal Life
VDM is known for keeping his personal life private. He is currently not married and has not publicly disclosed romantic relationships. He resides in Abuja, Nigeria.
Known for his muscular physique, VDM is also a fitness enthusiast and model, occasionally sharing fitness content on social media. His physical presence adds authority to his “Online Police” persona.
Public Perception: Pain to Many, Hero to Others
VDM remains one of Nigeria’s most polarizing figures:
Supporters View Him As:
- Fearless crusader fighting injustice and protecting consumers
- “Daniel come to judgment”,biblical reference to a righteous judge
- Champion of the voiceless who challenges powerful figures
- Effective activist who produces real-world results (NAFDAC actions, money recovered, products removed)
- Authentic voice refusing to be bought or silenced
- Modern-day conscience of Nigerian society
Critics Argue:
- His methods constitute cyberbullying and mob justice
- He promotes hate, provocation, and intolerance
- His confrontational approach lacks nuance and destroys reputations without due process.
- He acts as judge, jury, and executioner without legal authority
- His past as a sexual content creator undermines moral authority
- His homophobic statements reveal regressive values
- He’s building a cult of personality that could be dangerous
Social Media Presence
Instagram: @verydarkblackman,his primary platform with a massive following. TikTok: @coolverydarkman,lifestyle, fitness, and topical content. X (Twitter): Active presence engaging in national conversations
VDM’s content strategy combines entertainment with activism, using humor, sarcasm, and directness to make serious issues accessible and engaging.
Legacy and Impact (Ongoing)
Though still only 31 years old in 2025, VDM has already significantly impacted Nigerian society:
Consumer Protection: Forced regulatory action against unregistered products, protecting thousands from harmful goods.
Accountability Culture: Normalized calling out public figures, celebrities, and businesses for wrongdoing.
Youth Activism: Inspired younger Nigerians to speak up against injustice and not accept societal ills as normal.
Regulatory Enforcement: Demonstrated how public pressure can force agencies like NAFDAC to act against violations they previously ignored.
Free Speech Debates: His arrests and detentions sparked important conversations about freedom of expression, defamation laws, and state power.
Digital Activism Model: Proved that social media activism can produce tangibl,e real-world results beyond just trending hashtags.
Martins Vincent Otse,VeryDarkMan, VDM, Nigeria’s self-proclaimed “Online Police”,represents a new generation of African activism: digital, confrontational, unfiltered, and effective. From dreadlocks specialist and admitted former sexual content creator to fearless activist shutting down fraudulent businesses and recovering money for scam victims, his journey defies conventional political or activist trajectories. His ability to force NAFDAC action against Jenny’s Glow, compel Prophet Jeremiah to stop selling miracle products, and make Ashumsy refund stolen money demonstrates that his activism produces results, not just noise. Yet his multiple arrests, billion-naira lawsuits, homophobic comments, and confrontational style that destroys reputations without due process raise serious questions about methods, accountability, and the line between activism and cyberbullying. Whether remembered as hero or villain, champion or bully, VDM has undeniably influenced Nigerian civil society, forcing conversations about consumer protection, celebrity accountability, and the power of digital activism that will extend far beyond his individual career. At just 31, his story is still unfolding,and Nigeria watches, divided between admiration and apprehension, as this young man, wielding nothing but a smartphone and uncompromising principl,es continues reshaping the boundaries of activism, accountability, and free speech in Africa’s most populous nation.
