Who Is VeryDarkMan? Nigeria’s Boldest Voice or Loudest Disruptor?
In the chaotic, meme-fueled world of Nigerian social media, a name keeps echoing louder than ever – VeryDarkMan. You’ve probably seen his face pop up on your explore page, shouting into his camera with raw energy, a signature black tee, and a message that demands your attention. But who exactly is this man stirring up dust across the internet, challenging celebrities, government officials, and fraudsters without blinking?
Born April 8, 1994, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) is more than just a content creator. He’s a revolutionary, activist, critic, philanthropist, and one of the loudest voices in Nigerian civil and political rights today.
Though originally from Agenebode in Edo State, he grew up in Kaduna, a background that helped shape his distinct northern mannerisms and streetwise, confrontational delivery.
From tackling Yahoo boys (internet fraudsters) to dragging celebrities caught in shady deals, VDM has positioned himself as the people’s watchdog. His videos often begin casually, sometimes filmed in noisy streets or a bare room but the message always cuts deep. He calls things out as they are. No filter. No fear.
Whether he’s exposing a scam, defending the oppressed, or clashing with influencers, one thing is certain when VDM speaks, Nigeria listens.
VDM began gaining attention in 2022 by calling out celebrities and tackling trending controversies on social media. His videos, often shot from modest, everyday locations, quickly went viral for their no-holds-barred commentary. By early 2023, VeryDarkMan had built a massive following thanks to his relentless exposure of injustice, scams, and corruption.
In June 2023, his influence was publicly validated when superstar Davido followed and endorsed him. By January 2024, he was nominated for Silverbird’s Most Influential Social Media Influencer of the Year solidifying his place among Nigeria’s most disruptive online voices.
Like most loud voices, VeryDarkMan is divisive. Some call him a hero, the “voice of the streets” who says what many are too afraid to say. Others call him reckless, clout-chasing, or even dangerous especially when he takes on sensitive issues without holding back.
He’s been arrested more than once, but each time, he returns to social media even stronger more followers, more fire, and more noise.
With great attention comes great resistance, and Otse has had his fair share of legal drama and backlash.
March 2024: Arrested for alleged cyberbullying and cyberstalking, involving accusations against public figures. He was remanded in police custody until May 29 before being released after two weeks.
June 2024: Re-arrested in Abuja on defamation charges, questioned by police, and released shortly after.
September 2024: Renowned legal firm Falana & Falana Chambers issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding a public apology from him for a social media post targeting Femi Falana.
May 2, 2025: Arrested again, this time after complaining to GTBank about unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account. Masked men, later identified as EFCC officers, took him into custody. He was released on administrative bail five days later.
May 26, 2025: The DG of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, accused him of inciting drug traders at Onitsha bridgehead market to defy regulations. This came after Otse visited Ogbo Ogwu market and publicly criticized alleged extortion by regulators.
But VDM does not just rant. He mobilizes.
June 16, 2025: After the deadly attack on Yelwata community in Benue State, he led a peaceful protest with local youth, demanding swift action from President Tinubu and the state government.
A week later: He organized a protest with primary school pupils in Abuja, demanding payment of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage owed to striking teachers.
His street protests demonstrate that he is not just about clout or cameras. He is out to create real change.
In a landscape where most influencers chase brands and filters, VeryDarkMan breaks the mold. He is unfiltered, unafraid, and deeply entrenched in grassroots advocacy. Whether he is challenging celebrities, confronting institutions, or defending everyday Nigerians, he has sparked a new digital movement built on consciousness and confrontation.
Yes, he is controversial. Yes, he is rough around the edges. But in a country where silence often equals survival, VDM chooses to be loud, and that alone makes him matter.
Martins Otse may not follow the rulebook, but he is rewriting what it means to influence in Nigeria. He is not here to entertain. He is here to expose, challenge, and provoke change.
Whether you support him or disagree with him, one thing is certain.
VeryDarkMan is not going anywhere, and Nigeria is watching.