Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has emerged as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s digital activism landscape. Renowned for his bold exposés and unfiltered commentary on societal issues, VDM has garnered both admiration and criticism. However, his recent legal entanglements have sparked a national conversation about the boundaries of free speech and the responsibilities that accompany digital influence.
VDM’s confrontational style has led to multiple legal confrontations. In May 2024, he was remanded in police custody following a five-count charge of cyberstalking, stemming from allegations against Nollywood actresses Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo, as well as claims involving senior police officers and lawmakers. He pleaded not guilty and was released after two weeks in detention.
Subsequently, in June 2024, VDM was arrested again at his Abuja residence over defamation allegations related to a social media exposé. In March 2025, a Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court for a defamation case filed by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Most recently, on May 2, 2025, VDM was arrested at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja, where he had gone to lodge a complaint about alleged unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account. Reports indicate that masked individuals, whose affiliations remain unclear, apprehended him at the bank premises. The identities of these operatives have not been officially confirmed, leading to speculation about whether they were affiliated with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Department of State Services (DSS).
VDM’s supporters argue that his arrests represent attempts to silence dissent and suppress free speech. They view his actions as a form of digital activism aimed at holding powerful individuals accountable. However, critics contend that his methods often cross the line into cyberbullying and defamation, raising concerns about the ethical implications of his approach.
This dichotomy underscores a broader societal issue: while it is essential to protect freedom of expression, there must also be mechanisms to prevent the spread of misinformation and to protect individuals from unwarranted attacks.
VDM’s case exemplifies the delicate balance between advocacy and accountability in the digital age. As society grapples with the challenges posed by social media, it becomes imperative to establish clear guidelines that uphold free speech while preventing abuse.
In the words of George Orwell, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” This cautionary statement serves as a reminder that in our pursuit of justice and equality, we must ensure that no individual or group is placed above the law.
While we condemn oppression or the gagging of voices, there is a thin line between cyberbullying, defamation, and cyberstalking that we must tread carefully—so we don’t end up building a society where some animals are indeed above the law.
As the legal proceedings against VeryDarkMan continue, they will undoubtedly shape the discourse on digital activism, free speech, and the responsibilities that come with influence in Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.
Ubong Usoro for Nigeria Magazine
