Verydarkman's War on Fraud: Activism, Controversy, and Allegations of Partiality
Verydarkman, also known as Martins Vincent Otse, has cemented his status as a prominent figure in Nigeria's social media activism since his emergence in 2022. As the president of the Ratel Movement, he is renowned for his confrontational and no-holds-barred approach to calling out injustice, fraud, crime, and bad governance online. However, his journey has been marked by lawsuits, arrests, and increasing scrutiny over whether he has lost focus and become partial in his methods.
From Private Video Seller to Social Media Activist
Before his rise to fame, Verydarkman was involved in selling private videos, a fact he acknowledged after a personal video leaked during the controversy surrounding the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad. In 2020, two years prior to gaining prominence, he made money from these sales, even purchasing his first car with the proceeds. He later transitioned to hairdressing and eventually evolved into a self-styled activist and content creator, leaving his past behind.
The Dual Nature of Verydarkman's Activism
Verydarkman appears as two sides of a coin: on one hand, he engages in philanthropy, such as renovating schools and digging boreholes in Nigeria and Ghana, and has helped less privileged individuals regain stability. On the other hand, he thrives on controversy, boldly calling out prominent personalities and the government. His blunt videos have led to multiple detentions by the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Despite the chaos, he has leveraged his influence to establish an NGO and raise significant funds from notable figures.
Consistent Efforts in Fighting Fraud
Verydarkman has earned accolades for his relentless campaign against fraud and unlawful practices. He gained attention by calling out Jennifer Igbinoba Osasenaga, founder of Jennysglow, after allegations of harmful products and a failed surrogacy arrangement. He urged NAFDAC to investigate, highlighting his role in seeking justice. Additionally, he targeted influencer Ashmusy for allegedly collecting donations without fulfillment, pledging N1.5 million to assist the affected woman. His call-out videos have also mentioned figures like Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, Samklef, and Mohbad's wife, demonstrating his wide-reaching impact.
Controversy and Allegations of Partiality
As Verydarkman's platform grew, so did criticism over his alleged one-sided approach. Critics argue that while he consistently targets certain individuals, others accused of similar offenses, such as Seun Kuti, Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid—who are considered his friends—receive little or no scrutiny. For instance, during a feud with Wizkid FC, he openly supported Seun Kuti and was seen paying homage at Fela's grave. This has sparked debates about selective activism, with concerns that personal relationships or public sentiment may influence his choices, potentially undermining the credibility of his efforts.
Additional Criticisms and Public Scrutiny
Beyond allegations of partiality, Verydarkman has faced other criticisms. A Nigerian man recently challenged him to prove his business acumen by importing goods from China, suggesting that such endeavors require expertise. This highlights the broader public scrutiny he faces as his influence expands. Despite these controversies, Verydarkman remains a polarizing figure, with supporters praising his anti-fraud initiatives and detractors questioning his consistency and motives.
In summary, Verydarkman's war against fraud showcases a complex blend of activism, philanthropy, and controversy. While his efforts have brought attention to important issues, the allegations of partiality and selective targeting continue to fuel debates about the integrity of social media activism in Nigeria.
