Few internet personalities in Nigeria have risen as quickly or as controversially as Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
Loved by supporters and criticised by opponents, VDM has built one of the most influential online personalities in Nigeria through fearless call-outs, celebrity exposés, activism-style commentary, and constant controversy.
To his fans, he is an online watchdog exposing scams, manipulation, and abuse of power. To critics, he is confrontational, reckless, and excessively controversial.
Whichever side people choose, one thing remains clear: VeryDarkMan has become one of the most talked-about Nigerian internet figures of the last few years.
Who Is VeryDarkMan?
Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known online as VeryDarkMan or simply VDM, was born on April 8, 1994. Although he was born and raised in Kaduna State, he is originally from Edo State, specifically Benin City. VDM spent most of his early life in Northern Nigeria, where he completed his primary and secondary education before later relocating for higher studies.
Unlike many Nigerian influencers who entered social media through comedy or entertainment, VDM’s online identity was built almost entirely around criticism, accountability, and controversy.
Education & Early Life
VeryDarkMan reportedly studied Business Administration at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Before social media fame, little was publicly known about him. He lived mostly outside mainstream celebrity culture and maintained a relatively private life.
However, his confidence, direct speaking style, and willingness to challenge powerful individuals would later become the exact qualities that pushed him into internet fame.
How VeryDarkMan Became Famous
VDM’s rise began gradually in 2022 through Instagram videos where he criticised influencers, celebrities, business owners, relationship experts, and public figures he believed were misleading Nigerians.
His delivery style immediately stood out.
• He spoke aggressively.
• He rarely filtered his opinions.
• And unlike many influencers, he appeared completely unafraid of backlash.
As his videos started circulating widely, Nigerians became divided almost instantly. Some praised him for saying things others were too scared to say publicly. Others accused him of bullying, harassment, and chasing clout through controversy. By 2023, his videos had become almost impossible to avoid on Nigerian social media.
His popularity grew even more after Nigerian superstar Davido followed him publicly on Instagram and showed support for his activism-style content. That moment significantly boosted his visibility and credibility online.
The “Online Watchdog” Identity
VDM eventually branded himself less as an influencer and more as a “social media watchdog.”
He built a reputation around:
• Calling out alleged scams
• Exposing fake products
• Criticising celebrities
• Challenging religious leaders
• Questioning relationship experts
• Demanding accountability from public figures
His followers, popularly called “Ratels,” became one of the most vocal online fan communities in Nigeria. Supporters often describe him as fearless and honest, while critics accuse his fanbase of online harassment and intimidation.
Major VeryDarkMan Controversies
One major reason VDM became so popular is that controversy constantly follows him. Over the years, he has been involved in multiple public feuds with celebrities, influencers, clerics, and institutions.
VeryDarkMan vs Iyabo Ojo
One of his earliest major celebrity clashes involved Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo. VDM accused the actress of promoting allegedly fake products online and criticised some of her social media content, claiming it sent the wrong message to younger audiences. Iyabo Ojo reacted angrily and publicly blasted him, calling him disrespectful and accusing him of lacking proper home training.
Their online feud became one of the most discussed celebrity dramas of that period.
VeryDarkMan vs Bobrisky
Perhaps one of his biggest and longest-running controversies involved Nigerian crossdresser Bobrisky. VDM repeatedly criticised Bobrisky over issues involving gender identity, alleged preferential treatment from authorities, and online influence. The situation escalated after Bobrisky allegedly leaked intimate videos connected to VDM during their online war. The controversy later became even bigger after alleged audio leaks involving Bobrisky and bribery-related accusations surfaced online in 2024.
That situation eventually dragged other public figures into the controversy, including rapper Falz and human rights lawyer Femi Falana.
Falz & Falana Legal Threat
In September 2024, Falana & Falana Chambers issued a legal ultimatum to VDM demanding retraction and apology over allegedly defamatory statements connected to bribery allegations involving Bobrisky.
The situation sparked nationwide debate around free speech, online activism, and defamation laws in Nigeria.
VeryDarkMan vs Blessing CEO
VDM also clashed heavily with the controversial relationship expert, Blessing CEO. He accused her of misleading followers and spreading unhealthy relationship advice online. The feud quickly escalated into insults, response videos, and intense fanbase battles across social media platforms.
Their conflict became one of the most viral influencer dramas in Nigeria at the time.
Clash With Prophet Jeremiah
Another major controversy involved Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin. VDM accused the cleric of allegedly exploiting followers financially through miracle products and public religious practices. Supporters of the cleric strongly defended him, while VDM insisted he was simply demanding accountability and transparency.
The clash generated massive online debates around religion, faith healing, and exploitation in Nigeria.
Arrests & EFCC Issues
VeryDarkMan’s growing influence eventually attracted legal attention. In March 2024, he was arrested over allegations linked to cyberbullying and cyberstalking involving claims made against public figures and authorities. He pleaded not guilty and was later released after spending roughly two weeks in custody.
Many Nigerians interpreted the arrest differently:
• Supporters claimed he was being silenced
• Critics argued he needed accountability for reckless accusations
In June 2024, he was again reportedly detained in Abuja following defamation-related complaints tied to his social media activities.
GTBank & 2025 Arrest Drama
One of VDM’s most controversial arrests happened in May 2025. He had reportedly visited a GTBank branch in Abuja to complain about suspicious deductions from his mother’s account when masked operatives arrested him. The incident immediately confused online users because authorities initially failed to clarify whether the arresting officers were from the EFCC, DSS, or another agency. After several days in custody, he was eventually released on administrative bail.
The arrest sparked protests online, with supporters accusing authorities of intimidation.
VDM vs Blord
By late 2025 and early 2026, VDM became locked in another explosive battle with crypto businessman Blord.
The feud reportedly involved:
• Business fraud accusations
• Trademark disputes
• Identity misuse allegations
• Court cases
• Prison remand drama
The conflict later escalated so much that activist Omoyele Sowore became involved publicly after criticising Blord’s detention. VDM then openly clashed with Sowore online, warning him not to interfere in the case recklessly.
Why Nigerians Are Divided About VDM
VeryDarkMan represents a complicated figure in Nigerian internet culture.
To Supporters:
• He exposes scams
• Speaks truth to power
• Challenges celebrities
• Protects ordinary Nigerians
To Critics:
• He is too aggressive
• Spreads unverified allegations
• Uses controversy for attention
• Encourages online bullying
Yet despite the criticism, his influence continues to grow rapidly. Few Nigerian influencers currently dominate conversations online as consistently as he does.
VeryDarkMan Net Worth
As of 2026, estimates place VeryDarkMan’s net worth between $150,000 and $300,000, although exact figures remain unconfirmed publicly.
His income reportedly comes from:
• Social media monetisation
• Brand partnerships
• Promotions
• Online influence
• Content creation
• Public appearances
Interestingly, VDM has repeatedly claimed he avoids certain forms of advertisement and paid promotions to protect his credibility as an online watchdog.
Final Thoughts
Whether viewed as an activist, influencer, critic, or internet troublemaker, VeryDarkMan has undeniably become one of the defining Nigerian online personalities of this generation. He operates in a space where celebrity culture, activism, entertainment, law, and controversy constantly collide, and judging by the growing number of public feuds, arrests, court cases, and viral moments surrounding him. VeryDarkMan’s story is still far from over.