Popular Nigerian social media figure Martins Otse, widely known as Verydarkman (VDM), has found himself at the center of a digital storm. VDM claims his social media accounts are under attack following his involvement in a controversial audio leak featuring crossdresser Bobrisky.
On October 2, 2024, Verydarkman took to his remaining active platforms to voice his frustration over what he perceives as a coordinated effort to silence him. The media personality revealed that both his Instagram and Facebook accounts have been inundated with reports from individuals he believes are attempting to deplatform him.
It’s like they’re trying to erase me from the internet,” VDM stated in a live video broadcast. Even my video from the House of Representatives in Abuja has been taken down. They’re targeting everything.”
The root of this digital onslaught appears to stem from a recent audio clip shared by Verydarkman. The recording, which quickly went viral, featured crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, and allegedly implicated the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Lagos-based social media analyst, Adebayo Ogunlesi, offers insight into the situation: “The Bobrisky audio has opened a Pandora’s box of legal and ethical questions. VDM’s role in sharing this content has clearly made him a target for those who feel threatened by the revelations.”
In a surprising twist, Verydarkman revealed that he has been inundated with offers to cease his advocacy work. These propositions, he claims, have come from various quarters of the entertainment and media industry.
“TV stations want me for interviews, podcast opportunities are flooding in, and modeling agencies are knocking on my door,” VDM disclosed. Some offers have even reached as high as ₦100 million. But I won’t be silenced.”
This steadfast refusal to back down has only intensified the pressure on Verydarkman’s online presence.
Despite the challenges, Verydarkman remains committed to his cause. He expressed a renewed determination to empower young Nigerians to stand up for themselves and support those who are oppressed.
To this end, VDM has created a new Instagram page to serve as a backup for his content. “They may try to shut me down, but I’ll always find a way to get the truth out there,” he declared.
Adding another layer to this complex situation is Verydarkman’s ongoing dispute with Nigerian rapper and activist Falz. VDM recently made a public appeal to Falz, urging him to drop a defamation lawsuit.
“There are bigger issues in this country that need our attention,” Verydarkman stated. I want Falz to stand with me in advocating for the people’s interests.
The lawsuit stems from claims made by Verydarkman suggesting that Falz and his father, renowned lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), had accepted money to secure preferential treatment for Bobrisky in a correctional facility.
Falz swiftly denied these allegations and responded with legal action, demanding a retraction from Verydarkman within 24 hours.
As this drama unfolds, social media users remain divided. Some view Verydarkman as a crusader for truth, while others see him as a provocateur stirring up unnecessary controversy.
Twitter user @NaijaWatchdog commented: “VDM is exposing the rot in our system. We need more voices like his.” On the other hand, @PeaceAdvocate21 argued: “There are ways to seek justice without causing chaos. VDM needs to be more responsible with his platform.”
This ongoing saga raises important questions about the role of social media in Nigerian activism and the challenges faced by outspoken personalities online.
Dr. Oluwaseun Adebayo, a digital rights expert at the University of Lagos, offers her perspective: “What we’re seeing with Verydarkman is a prime example of the power and pitfalls of social media activism in Nigeria. While these platforms offer unprecedented reach, they also expose individuals to new forms of censorship and backlash.”
As Verydarkman continues his fight to maintain his online presence and pursue his advocacy work, his story serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of navigating the digital landscape in an era of instant information and viral controversies.
