Martins Vincent Otse ⓘ (born 8 April 1994), popularly known as VeryDarkMan, is a Nigerian social media influencer and a Content creator who describes himself as an “online police.” He is known for commenting on issues relating to corruption, social justice, and public accountability in Nigeria. He has attracted significant public attention and remains a controversial figure. While some supporters view his work as advocacy against injustice and misconduct, critics have accused him of selective activism, making allegations without adequate verification, and using his platform to publicly call out individuals in ways they consider defamatory or intimidating. These criticisms have contributed to broader debates about online accountability, freedom of expression, and the ethical boundaries of digital activism in Nigeria. He grew up in Abuja, Nigeria.

Early life

Martins Vincent Otse was born on 8 April 1994 in Abuja, Nigeria. He is originally from Agenebode, Edo State, in southern Nigeria. He spent his formative years in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Otse has described experiencing financial hardship during his early years, stating that he undertook various forms of menial work to survive. In a video addressing allegations circulated online, he stated that during that period he engaged in transactional sexual activities with men for financial gain, which he attributed to economic necessity and environmental influences in Lagos.

He also referenced what he described as a broader practice of transactional relationships in certain urban settings, noting that many celebrities were participating in such activities at the time.

These statements contributed to public discussion about his personal history and the socio-economic challenges he faced prior to gaining prominence.

Career and public recognition

VeryDarkMan's social media activism career commenced in 2022. Initially, he gained attention through his interactions with Nigerian celebrities, which led to an increase in his online following. Subsequently, he began posting a series of videos that sparked controversy. By early 2023, his content had gone viral, further amplifying the controversy surrounding his online presence.

Philanthropy

Martins Vincent Otse Initiative

In October 2024, Otse founded the Martins Vincent Otse Initiative (MVOI), a non-governmental organisation headquartered in Abuja focused on public education reform, community development, and financial transparency within the non-profit sector. The organisation raised over ₦33 million from small-scale donors within its first 24 hours of launch. A subsequent ₦100 million donation from music executive Don Jazzy drew national attention to the initiative and sparked wider discussion about celebrity philanthropy in Nigerian social development.

The MVOI operates a public financial tracking system, publishing real-time bank statements and donation logs on its official website as a measure to build trust in the Nigerian non-profit sector. In January 2025, legal experts raised concerns that the publication of unredacted donor information could potentially conflict with Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) guidelines.

Among the initiative's stated goals is the deployment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as teaching assistants in underserved communities to address teacher shortages in public schools. In July 2025, the MVOI funded the installation of boreholes in the Dibilli community in the Karaga District, Ghana, to address local water scarcity..

In April 2025, Otse donated ₦20 million through the MVOI to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to fund the repatriation and rehabilitation of underage Nigerian girls trafficked to Ivory Coast The agency later reported that the money was returned back to him. Following the donation, 70 trafficked girls were subsequently repatriated to Nigeria, with Air Peace providing flights for the rescue operation at no cost.

In December 2024, Otse claimed that ₦180 million had been stolen from the NGO's accounts through a hacking incident, before later stating that the claim was a deliberate experiment designed to test the speed of misinformation spread within Nigerian digital media. Critics, however, argued that the move also appeared to gauge how Nigerians would react if such funds were eventually misappropriated for personal use.

Otse also sparked public concern when he appeared to stage the purchase of a luxury car reportedly worth over ₦270 million. The development raised questions among Nigerians, particularly given that his primary known source of income is content creation. He later stated that the incident was a prank. However, critics argued that the situation may have been a test of public reaction, suggesting that the narrative was reframed as a prank following widespread scrutiny and backlash.

The initiative has also attracted criticism regarding transparency and accountability. Some critics have questioned the management of funds raised from the public, citing the scale of donations received including tens of millions of naira and alleging that there has been limited publicly verifiable evidence of projects corresponding to the funds raised. Others have raised concerns about the timeliness and clarity of financial disclosures, suggesting that the handling of donated funds has not met expected standards of transparency. These concerns have contributed to broader public debate about accountability and governance in celebrity-led philanthropic initiatives in Nigeria.

Ratel Movement

Otse founded the Ratel Movement, a loosely organised online-driven civic initiative whose supporters he has described as a “fourth arm of government” in Nigeria, symbolised by the honey badger (another name for the animal called ratel). He presents the movement as a platform for grassroots civic engagement aimed at addressing social issues beyond online advocacy. However, the movement has also attracted criticism. Some observers and critics have characterised it less as a structured civic organisation and more as a network of highly active online supporters. Critics allege that segments of this following have been mobilised to target individuals who express dissenting views, including coordinated online harassment, mass reporting of social media accounts, and attempts to silence opposing opinions. Reports of accounts being flagged or suspended following such campaigns have been cited in discussions about the movement’s online conduct.

These concerns have contributed to wider debates about digital activism in Nigeria, particularly regarding the boundaries between civic engagement and online intimidation, as well as the potential implications for freedom of expression and democratic discourse.

From November 29, 2025, the Ratel Movement began organising monthly community service activities across Nigeria, including environmental sanitation and minor infrastructure support projects. Otse has stated that the movement is non-political. In late 2025, he opened a Ratel office in Abuja to coordinate activities and receive public complaints related to community issues.

Personal life

Otse’s public statements and social media content have occasionally generated discussions regarding his personal life, including his views on sexuality. Otse has stated that, due to financial difficulties, he engaged in sexual activities with men. He has also said that he struggled with masturbation as a habit. In some instances, past videos and posts attributed to him have been referenced in online debates, contributing to wider public discourse and commentary.

His remarks about other public figures like Bobrisky, particularly in relation to issues of sexuality, have also drawn criticism from some commentators, who have described them as inconsistent with earlier positions expressed in his content.

Controversies

Otse has been involved in several public controversies, legal disputes, and confrontations arising primarily from his social media activities and public commentary.

2024: Cyberbullying, defamation allegations, and celebrity disputes

In March 2024, Otse was arrested on allegations of cyberbullying and cyberstalking, including 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. In June 2024, he was arrested again at his Abuja residence on defamation charges related to a social media expose. Otse was questioned by police on June 30, 2024, regarding defamation allegations and released shortly after. No arrest was made, contrary to initial reports.

During this period, Otse was also involved in public disputes with religious figure Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, whom he criticised over the sale and promotion of alleged miracle products. The dispute reportedly resulted in a defamation suit filed against him

2024: Bobrisky recordings and Falana legal threat

In 2024, following the imprisonment of Nigerian socialite Bobrisky on charges related to currency abuse, Otse made a series of social media posts criticising Bobrisky, including commentary on his lifestyle and legal situation. In September 2024, Otse released an audio recording which he alleged implicated Bobrisky in bribery and preferential prison treatment. Bobrisky denied the allegations.

The controversy escalated after the recording appeared to reference senior lawyer Femi Falana and his son Falz. Otse subsequently made a series of social media posts directed at Falz, which included remarks that were widely criticised as defamatory and inappropriate.

On September 26, 2024, Falana & Falana Chambers issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Otse, demanding a retraction and apology for allegedly defamatory statements against Femi Falana, made in his September 25, 2024 Instagram post.

2024: Police impersonation allegation

In October 2024, Martins Vincent Otse was detained by the Nigeria Police Force over a viral video in which he appeared wearing a Nigerian Police Force (NPF) uniform without authorisation.

In the video, Otse identified himself as a “Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)” and described himself as an “online police officer,” stating that his aim was to address misconduct on social media.

The Nigeria Police Force condemned the act, stating that the unauthorised use of police uniforms, insignia, or accoutrements constitutes an offence under Nigerian law. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command subsequently initiated an investigation into the incident and invited Otse for questioning, after which he was detained.

Following public reactions, Otse issued a statement apologising for the use of the uniform, indicating that he had not been aware that permission was required for such representation.

On November 1, 2024, he was arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse, Abuja, on charges relating to alleged impersonation. He pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail in the sum of ₦2 million with two sureties, alongside conditions including the submission of his international passport.

The incident generated public debate, with differing views expressed regarding the police response and the broader implications of the use of official law enforcement symbols in digital content.

2025: Dispute with Mercy Chinwo

In early 2025, VeryDarkMan, became involved in a public dispute with Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, following her public outcry on social media in which she alleged that her former record label executive was breaching contractual agreements and unfairly withholding her earnings. Shortly after her appeal for support gained attention online, VDM responded with a series of critical posts disputing her claims and accusing her of contractual violations and financial misconduct, thereby escalating the disagreement into a widely followed controversy.

The controversy began after a reported fallout between Chinwo and her former record label executive, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (popularly known as Eezee Tee). In a series of social media posts, VDM accused Chinwo of breaching contractual obligations and alleged that she diverted approximately US$345,000 in royalties and performance-related earnings without properly compensating her former label. He further claimed that Chinwo and her associates were using religious influence to obscure alleged wrongdoing, and publicly challenged her to pursue legal action against him.

The allegations attracted widespread attention online; however, some commentators and observers described VDM’s claims as unverified and characterised his intervention as unprovoked. Critics argued that his content relied on insinuations and lacked independently confirmed evidence, raising concerns about misinformation and reputational harm.

In response, Chinwo filed a defamation lawsuit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking ₦1 billion in general damages and an additional ₦100 million in aggravated damages. Her legal team argued that VDM’s statements were false, malicious, and damaging to her reputation, and presented documentary evidence, including financial records and correspondence, to refute the allegations.

Subsequently, in March 2025, a Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for VDM’s arrest after he failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing on 5 March 2025. The warrant followed his alleged failure to respond to earlier summons related to the case.

VDM, through his legal counsel Deji Adeyanju, dismissed the lawsuit as unfounded, describing it as a “complete joke” and stating that VDM was outside Nigeria at the time the summons was issued. The defence also maintained that his statements were made in the public interest.

The dispute was further complicated by the eventual reconciliation between Chinwo and Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu. Reports indicated that Onyedikachukwu later issued an apology to Chinwo, and both parties reached a settlement regarding their contractual disagreements. This development led to additional public debate, with some observers suggesting that the resolution undermined the basis of the earlier allegations circulated online.

During the course of the dispute, VDM’s style of commentary characterised by critical remarks, satire, and suggestive claims drew criticism from sections of the public, who viewed it as excessive and potentially defamatory. Some commentators also objected to insinuations that Chinwo had used influential connections to influence legal proceedings against her former label executive, describing such claims as speculative and damaging.

As part of the legal relief sought, Chinwo demanded that VDM remove all allegedly defamatory content from his social media platforms, issue a public apology, and publish retractions in multiple national newspapers for a specified period. She also stated that the incident led to online harassment and threats directed at her and her family.

The case generated significant public attention and debate regarding the responsibilities of social media influencers, the limits of online commentary, and the legal implications of defamation in Nigeria’s digital space. As of April 2026, the matter remained a subject of ongoing legal and public discourse.

2025: EFCC arrest and banking dispute

On May 2, 2025, Otse was arrested shortly after visiting a Guarantee Trust Bank branch in Abuja, where he had raised concerns over alleged unauthorised deductions from his mother’s account. Prior to the visit, Otse had published a series of videos on social media in which he accused the bank of making unlawful deductions, drawing significant public attention to the matter. Some reports indicated that the posts prompted reactions from his followers, including calls to withdraw patronage from the bank.

The arrest was initially carried out by masked individuals later identified as operatives of the EFCC operatives. He was detained for five days before being granted administrative bail on May 7, 2025..

EFCC subsequently issued a statement stating that Otse’s arrest was based on petitions alleging financial crimes and that he had failed to honour multiple invitations prior to his detention.

Subsequent reports suggested that the disputed mother’s deductions were linked to a loan facility associated with his mother’s account, although details of the transaction and the circumstances surrounding it were not fully disclosed publicly.

2025: NAFDAC accusation of incitement

Otse was accused of inciting Onista bridge head drug traders to defy regulatory order in a statement released by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control's Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, on May 26th, 2025. This was shortly after Otse visited the Ogbo Ogwu market and called out the DG of NAFDAC to stop the extortion as it was allegedly said by the traders that they have to pay a certain amount of money before they can embark on their business.

2025: Mohbad case involvement and dispute with Wunmi

Prior to his death in September 2023, Nigerian singer Mohbad had publicly documented disputes with his former record label, Marlian Music, including allegations of assault, contractual disagreements, and claims of unpaid royalties. In October 2022, he announced the termination of his contract with the label.

Following Mohbad’s death under circumstances widely described as unclear, public attention intensified, with widespread calls for investigation into individuals within his professional circle, particularly his former associate Naira Marley.

VeryDarkMan became actively involved in the online discourse, using his social media platforms to comment extensively on the case and position himself as a prominent voice calling for accountability. His involvement initially aligned with a broader public movement demanding justice, including calls to boycott and “cancel” Naira Marley over alleged links to Mohbad’s treatment prior to his death.

However, Otse’s role in the discourse became increasingly controversial as he began to promote alternative narratives regarding the circumstances of Mohbad’s death. These included repeated public calls for a DNA test involving Mohbad’s widow, Omowunmi Aloba (also known as Wunmi), alongside speculation about paternity and possible motives. Critics argued that these claims were speculative and risked undermining ongoing investigations.

Otse also engaged in public disputes with other celebrities and activists who were advocating for justice in the case, including actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh. He accused some of them of misinformation and ulterior motives, while they, in turn, accused him of harassment, defamation, and attempting to dominate the narrative surrounding the case. These exchanges escalated into legal action, with reports indicating that complaints of defamation were filed against him, leading to his arrest by law enforcement authorities.

The controversy deepened following claims by Otse that he had obtained private communications from a WhatsApp group allegedly formed by concerned Nigerians seeking justice for Mohbad. He asserted that the messages contained revelations implicating certain individuals; however, critics noted that no verifiable evidence was publicly presented to substantiate these claims.

In addition, Otse’s stance on Naira Marley drew scrutiny after an apparent shift in position. Having previously supported calls for public backlash against the artist, Otse was later seen engaging more positively with him and using his platform to present arguments perceived as defending or exonerating him. This shift prompted accusations of inconsistency from sections of the public.

Mohbad’s widow, Wunmi, publicly criticised Otse’s actions, accusing him of harassment and of promoting narratives she described as misleading, intrusive, and distressing. Public reaction to Otse’s conduct was mixed, with some supporting his calls for broader scrutiny, while others condemned his approach as insensitive, particularly in relation to the bereaved family and the handling of unverified claims.

The episode contributed to wider debates about the role and responsibility of social media commentators in high-profile cases, especially where investigations are ongoing and involve sensitive personal and legal matters.

2025: Protest activities

On 16th June, 2025, following the Yelewata massacre in Benue State. Otse was engaged in a peaceful protest alongside the youth of the community demanding for immediate intervention of the Nigeria government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Benue State government. as the protesters cover the Wurukum food market round-about Makurdi.

A week later, he led another protest with primary school pupils in Abuja over nine-week primary school teachers' strike for the failure of area council chairpersons to implement the new national minimum wage of N70,000.

2025: Dispute with Harrison Gwamnishu

In December 2025,VeryDarkMan (VDM) became involved in a high-profile dispute with Nigerian human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, following allegations of financial misconduct linked to a ransom payment in a kidnapping case in Edo State. The controversy intensified after Gwamnishu’s arrest in Benin City.

VDM publicly claimed responsibility for initiating calls that led to Gwamnishu’s arrest, alleging that the activist had diverted part of a ransom reportedly totaling ₦20 million, which had been raised to secure the release of a kidnapped couple. According to VDM, Gwamnishu allegedly removed approximately ₦5.4 million from the ransom and substituted it with a lesser amount, thereby putting the life of one of the captives at further risk.

VDM further accused Gwamnishu of misrepresenting his methods during the rescue operation, alleging that claims of using technological tools to track kidnappers were exaggerated or fabricated. These allegations were widely circulated on social media and contributed to heightened public scrutiny of Gwamnishu’s activities.

Following these claims, Gwamnishu was reportedly taken into police custody in Benin City. In response, he denied all allegations of wrongdoing, maintaining that his actions had been misinterpreted. However, reports later emerged suggesting that the disputed funds were returned, though details surrounding this development remained unclear.

The dispute also gave rise to widespread speculation regarding VDM’s motives. Critics and commentators on social media alleged that his actions were influenced by a desire for prominence within Nigeria’s digital activism space, particularly amid Gwamnishu’s growing recognition for anti-kidnapping efforts. This perception was reinforced after Gwamnishu publicly disclosed that several influencers had supported his initiatives through donations, a development some observers claimed preceded VDM’s intensified scrutiny of his activities.

According to these critics, VDM began publishing a series of exposé-style posts aimed at discrediting Gwamnishu, although some observers described these claims as inconclusive or lacking verifiable evidence. Others characterised the campaign as an attempt to undermine Gwamnishu’s reputation and question his credibility as an activist.

VDM denied allegations of personal rivalry or ulterior motives, maintaining that his actions were driven by a commitment to transparency and accountability in humanitarian interventions, particularly in cases involving ransom payments. He argued that any form of financial mismanagement in such sensitive situations could endanger victims and erode public trust.

Public reaction to the controversy was divided. While some supported VDM’s stance on accountability, others criticised his approach as excessive and potentially damaging to collaborative efforts against insecurity. The incident also sparked broader debates about the role of private individuals in negotiating ransom payments and the ethical implications of publicising such interventions on social media.

As of late December 2025, the dispute remained a subject of ongoing public discourse, with both figures facing continued scrutiny over their actions and claims.

2025: Dispute with Blord

In 2025, Otse was involved in a public dispute with entrepreneur Blord, which began after he criticised aspects of Blord’s business operations, including alleged issues with a mobile application, through a series of social media posts. The dispute escalated as both parties exchanged responses online. Otse used his platform to question the pricing and accessibility of Blord’s products, while also promoting alternative options. Some commentators later alleged that the promotion may have been misleading, with claims that the advertised alternative was linked to a close associate, raising concerns about transparency and potential conflict of interest. In response, Blord defended his business and addressed the criticisms publicly, leading to a prolonged online exchange between the two.

The controversy drew wider attention after reports indicated that content shared by both parties included the use of each other’s images and branding in promotional or critical contexts. The exchanges attracted mixed reactions from the public, with some supporting the criticism as consumer advocacy, while others viewed it as a commercial dispute amplified through social media.

On April 1, 2026, the matter further intensified following reports that law enforcement action was taken against Blord in connection with related allegations. The development generated public debate, with some commentators raising concerns about the role of influence and the appropriateness of involving state authorities in disputes arising from online or commercial disagreements.

No formal judicial findings establishing wrongdoing by either party in relation to the dispute had been publicly reported at the time.

2026: Dispute involving King Mitchy and Seyi Tinubu

In February 2026, Otse was involved in a public dispute with social media influencer Michelle Mukoro, popularly known as King Mitchy, following her publication of a school renovation project in Delta State, which she stated was completed within six days with support from donations, including assistance from Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigerian president Bola Tinubu. Mukoro’s post was directed at Otse, who had received a substantial amount of public donations but had yet to execute any visible projects. This sparked widespread reactions and led to a direct exchange between both parties. Her remarks were widely interpreted as a critique of Otse, as she questioned the pace and transparency of projects undertaken by his non-governmental initiative despite significant public funding.

In response, Otse criticised Mukoro and accused her of being used as a political instrument to promote the image of the Tinubu administration and further accused her of having affairs with Seyi Tinubu by what he described as (bend down to lick the lolipop). He also made allegations suggesting that Seyi Tinubu was financially supporting Mukoro’s projects, claims which were denied by Tinubu.

The dispute escalated across social media platforms, attracting widespread public engagement and criticism. Reports indicated that the exchange led to intense online backlash and harassment directed at Mukoro, who later stated that the situation contributed to the loss of her business social media account.

During the height of the controversy, Mukoro appeared in a live video in which she was seen consuming a substance believed to be bleach, prompting concern among viewers. A subsequent announcement by her management claiming she had died was later withdrawn, with clarification that she was alive.

During the same period, Otse posted content on social media that was widely interpreted as a staged or performative act connected to the dispute, in which he appeared to mimic similar actions, including claims of having consumed a substance and subsequent reports of his death and burial. The posts generated significant public reaction and further intensified the controversy.

Some commentators argued that the escalation and surrounding online drama shifted public attention away from earlier concerns raised by Mukoro regarding transparency and accountability in the management of funds collected through Otse’s non-governmental initiative, contributing to broader debate about the role of sensational content in influencing public discourse. In March 2026, Mukoro issued a public apology to Otse, Seyi Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, and Nigerians, acknowledging that her actions during the controversy were wrong and accepting responsibility for her conduct.

The incident contributed to broader public discourse on influencer conflicts, online harassment, and accountability in digital activism in Nigeria.

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