VeryDarkMan
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VeryDarkMan | |
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Born | Martins Vincent Otse 8 April 1994 Lagos State, Nigeria |
Nationality | Nigerian |
Other names |
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Alma mater | University of Lagos |
Occupations |
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Years active | 2020–present |
Martins Vincent Otse (born 8 April 1994), popularly known as VeryDarkMan, is a Nigerian activist, critic and social media influencer.[1][2]
Early Life
He grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos.[3]
Career
VeryDarkMan gained mainstream attention in 2022 following his associations with Nigerian celebrities. He gained more attention after uploading controversial videos on his social media handle, particularly on Instagram.[4] In June 2023, Nigerian singer Davido followed him on Instagram and publicly endorsed him.[5] VeryDarkMan was subsequently nominated for Silverbird's Most Influential Social Media Influencer of the Year award.[6][7]
VeryDarkMan, quickly rose to fame by confronting skincare vendors like Jenny'sglow after a customer claimed their product damaged her face. VeryDarkMan gained massive support from Nigerians for his actions. He then expanded his focus to tackle other vendors selling unapproved products. This activism, backed by his confident social media presence, garnered widespread attention and acclaim.[8]
Controversies and arrests
In March 2024, VeryDarkMan was arrested for an alleged cyberbullying.[9] He faced five counts of cyberstalking, including false allegations against Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, and accusing senior police officers and lawmakers of misconduct. The court decided to remand him in police custody instead of prison until the hearing scheduled for 29 May 2024. VeryDarkMan pleaded not guilty to all charges.[10][11] He later regained his freedom after spending two weeks in detention.[12]
On 30 June 2024, VeryDarkMan was widely reported to have been arrested by Nigerian police at his Abuja residence. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the arrest, which was linked to defamation allegations following VeryDarkMan's social media exposé. VeryDarkMan allegedly defamed an individual accused of scamming a Nigerian abroad. Adeyanju criticized the police for targeting VeryDarkMan instead of the alleged scammer.[13] The police denied arresting him and clarified he was only invited for questioning. He was released after a couple of hours.[14][15]
References
- ^ "VeryDarkMan: Biography, Early Life, Age, Career and Net Worth". Jenpedia. 12 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "BREAKING: Nigerian Blogger VeryDarkMan Arrested For Exposing Alleged Fraudster, 3 Weeks After Release From Police Custody | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ Ankrah, Shalom (2 October 2023). "VeryDarkMan": 6 Facts About Nigerian Activist Martins Otse and His Quick Rise to Fame". Legit.ng. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
- ^ Taiwo, Owolawi (22 October 2023). "VeryDarkMan Who Went from Being Dragged to Becoming Celebrity". Legit.ng. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
- ^ Onu, Stephen (28 December 2023). "Hilda Baci, Ilebaye, Very Dark Man, other breakout celebrities of 2023". Premium Times. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
- ^ "Influencer of The Year Nominees". Silverbird. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ Ogugua, Ifezulike (12 January 2024). "Smoty: Tunde Ednut, Don Jazzy, Very Dark Blackman, Others Nominated For Silverbird Most Influential Influencer". Rhythm937. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
- ^ Shalom, Ankrah (25 September 2023). ""Age, marital status": 6 things to know about fast-rising activist VeryDarkMan". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ Peaceman, Pandora (23 March 2024). "Verydarkman Lands In Cell Over Cyberbullying - New Telegraph". newtelegraphng.com. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ Sulaimon, Adekunle (22 May 2024). "Verydarkman remanded in police custody for cyberbullying". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ "Social media Critics VeryDarkMan faces cyberbullying charges". The Guardian. 22 May 2024.
- ^ Sulaimon, Adekunle (10 June 2024). "BREAKING: VeryDarkMan regains freedom after two weeks detention". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ Johnson, Hannah (30 June 2024). "Police arrest VeryDarkMan over defamation allegations". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ Ejike, Ejike (30 June 2024). "VeryDarkMan Not Arrested, Only Invited For Questioning — Police". Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ "BREAKING: Nigerian Blogger VeryDarkMan Released Hours After Police Arrest For Exposing Alleged Fraudster | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
External links
VeryDarkMan on X