HOW THEY CONSPIRE AGAINST VERYDARK. VDM THE RATEL PRESIDENT

Stk | 2025-07-26 | 3 min read

He was born Vincent Martins Otse. But he is better known as VeryDarkMan, a name he gave himself, which has not only stuck but also connotes mystery, horror, and gloom. Indeed, the man with very distinct facial and muscular features, as well as a peculiar hairstyle known locally as ‘Suku’—his brand, as the slang goes—is not smiling at all.

Yet, VeryDarkMan has become synonymous with activism, whistleblowing, radicalism, revolution, and uncommon courage and boldness—the type that is ironically in short supply in this post-military era and democratic dispensation.

 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 

As a result of his boldness, even at the cost of his freedom, VeryDarkMan has become the darling of the masses. They believe he defends their rights and is their voice. Attempts by Nigerian security agents to arrest him are met with resistance, public outcry, and protests.

Despite multiple detentions—he has been in and out of custody four times—VeryDarkMan’s revolutionary spirit remains unbroken. His loquacious nature contrasts with his silence about his ethnic origin, as he identifies as pan-Nigerian, refusing to affiliate with any one ethnic group.

VeryDarkMan has had several confrontations with prominent Nigerians and institutions. His exposé on Bobrisky drew widespread attention and criticism, including from renowned human rights activist Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, who described his radicalism as “infantile” due to unproven libellous accusations.

Nevertheless, VeryDarkMan continues to speak truth to power. His recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a Guaranty Trust Bank branch in Abuja, following his public complaints about deductions from his mother’s salary, sparked protests and condemnation from prominent figures and the public alike.

Nigerian youths protested at the GTB headquarters in Abuja, demanding his release. Public support on social media has always been a crucial part of the reaction to his arrests.

 
   
 

Some street rumors attribute his courage to supernatural powers and charms prepared by his mother, similar to myths surrounding late Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti and elder statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo. However, the real source of VeryDarkMan’s power lies in the people—the social media netizens and activists who support him fervently.

Social media has democratised the public space, allowing Nigerians to assert their rights and rally behind figures like VeryDarkMan who fight corruption and injustice.

VeryDarkMan’s large following amplifies his voice instantly, making his activism a powerful force against corruption and a symbol of the people's struggle for good governance.

He will continue to speak truth to power as long as he maintains his integrity and the trust of the people. The question remains: How long will this bond last? His detractors aim to collapse this romance, but only time will tell if they succeed.

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