How VeryDarkMan became the soul of Nigeria’s revolution

Nigerian civil rights activists and social media influencer, Martins Otse. Photo Credit-Pop central

The ever busy streets of Nigeria, where the air hums with the sounds of commerce and the current discontent of Nigerians, a new voice emerged in 2022 a voice that would soon be heard across the nation and beyond. Martins Vincent Otse, known to millions as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has become a symbol of defiance, a sign of hope for the disenfranchised, and, in the eyes of many, the soul of Nigeria’s breeding revolution. His journey from a social media influencer to a revolutionary activist is a story of struggles, diligence, authenticity, and an unyielding commitment to justice in a country grappling with systemic corruption, economic inequality, and political oppression. Here is a story, exploring the rise of VeryDarkMan as the soul of Nigeria’s modern revolution.

The genesis of VDM’s activism

Born on April 8, 1994, Martins Vincent Otse grew up in a Nigeria where the gap between the elite and the masses seemed impossible to cross. Like many young Nigerians, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of everyday citizens, increased poverty, crumbling infrastructure, and a government often quick to attack its own citizens than defend them. But Otse was not one to remain silent. In 2022, armed with a smartphone and an unrelenting spirit, he took to social media under the nickname VeryDarkMan, a name that would soon become synonymous with fearless activism.

Initially, VeryDarkMan gained popularity through his interactions with Nigerian celebrities, using humor and sharp commentary to build a modest followership. But it was not long before his focus shifted to the deeper issues plaguing his country. He began posting videos that called out corruption, criticized government inefficiencies, and exposed the excesses of the elite. His raw style often delivered in a mix of Pidgin English and hard sarcasm, made a covenant with a nation tired of empty promises. As his follower count increased, so did his influence, making him a formidable force in Nigeria’s civil and political rights landscape.

A Voice for the Voiceless

What sets VeryDarkMan apart from many other influencers and civil rights activists is his originality. In a nation where activism can sometimes be leveraged for personal gain, Otse has remained steadfastly rooted in his beliefs and patriotic mandate. He doesn’t just speak for the people, but speaks as one of the people. His videos, often filmed in uncivilized settings, in a vehicle or inside a furnished building with nothing but his usual black vest on his body, something that reflects his zeal and conviction to carry the message, resonate with Nigeria’s youth, a demographic that makes up over 60% of the country’s population. According to a 2024 report by the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate stood at a staggering 42.5%, a statistic that VeryDarkMan frequently references in his calls for radical change.

One of his most impactful campaigns came in early 2023, when he exposed a fraudulent loan approval scheme allegedly involving powerful financial institutions. His accusations didn’t just spark online debates they led to real-world action. Protests erupted in cities like Lagos and Abuja, with young Nigerians taking to the streets, chanting “Enough is enough!”, “Take Yahaya Bello and free VeryDarkMan”. VeryDarkMan’s ability to mobilize his audience, both online and offline, earned him the title of “The People’s General” among his supporters.

But with influence came scrutiny. The same institutions he criticized in their usual fashion began to see him as a threat. In March 2024, VeryDarkMan was arrested on charges of cyberbullying and cyberstalking after making allegations against Nigerian actresses and officials. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody for two weeks before being released. The arrest, widely seen as an attempt to silence him, only fueled his resolve and his popularity. “They can arrest me, but they can’t arrest the truth,” he declared in a video posted shortly after his release, a statement that quickly went viral.

The GTBank protests as the turning point for VDM

The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment in VeryDarkMan’s activism journey. On May 2, 2025, he was arrested again, this time by masked men reportedly from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges? Cyberstalking, following his public criticism of GTBank over unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account. The arrest, which many activists described as a “kidnapping,” ignited outrage across Nigeria. Protests erupted in Rivers State, where a group of youths gathered outside a GTBank branch, holding signs that read “Free VeryDarkMan” and threatening to close their accounts. One protester, captured in a viral image, claimed to have N3.2 million in his account—a sum that, while significant to him, was mocked by some online as inconsequential to a bank that had just declared over N2 trillion in profit.

The protests weren’t just about VeryDarkMan, they were a manifestation of a deeper frustration. Rivers State, already under a state of emergency since March 2025 due to a governance crisis and oil pipeline explosions, was a powder keg of discontent. The region’s economic reliance on petroleum, coupled with political instability, had left many residents feeling abandoned by the government. VeryDarkMan’s arrest became a collective cry for those who saw him as their voice, their champion against a system that seemed designed to keep them down.

PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar condemned the arrest, calling it part of “the Tinubu regime’s relentless assault on the fundamental freedoms of Nigerians.” The Youth Rights Campaign as well labelled the detention a “gross violation of free speech.” For many, VeryDarkMan had become more than an activist he was the soul of a revolution that sought to dismantle the structures of oppression and hold those with power accountable.

VeryDarkMan as the soul of a evolution

VeryDarkMan’s journey is far from over, but his impact is undeniable. He has given a voice to a generation that feels unheard, a face to a movement that demands change, and a soul to a revolution that refuses to be silenced. His legal battles ranging from cyberstalking allegations to defamation charges have only strengthened his resolve, turning each arrest into a rallying point for his supporters.In a country where the average citizen earns less than $2 a day, according to World Bank data, and where corruption costs the economy an estimated $18 billion annually, VeryDarkMan’s activism is an anchor for many. His ability to inspire millions in such a short time speaks to the power of his personal brand, a brand built on trust, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

As Nigeria navigates its complex socio-political landscape, VeryDarkMan stands at the forefront, a revolutionary in every sense of the word. Whether he’s leading protests, facing down arrests, or speaking truth to power, one thing is clear: Martins Vincent Otse has become the beating heart of Nigeria’s revolution, a symbol of hope for a nation desperate for change. And as long as there are injustices to fight, VeryDarkMan will be there, his voice echoing through the streets, reminding Nigerians that the power to change their future lies in their hands.