Born on 8th April, 1994, VeryDarkMan whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse is a Nigerian content creator, model, activist, critic and social media influencer who has made a name for himself by becoming famous for his distinctive and light-hearted approach. He uses platforms like Instagram and TikTok to address societal issues, promote justice, and challenge wrongdoing. VDM’s bold voice has made him both celebrated and controversial online. He grew up in Kaduna, Nigeria.
The 27-year-old VeryDarkMan hails from Edo state and grew up in a financially constrained household in Lagos, Nigeria. Despite the hardships, he maintained a resilient sense of humor and an optimistic perspective, working tirelessly from a young age to make ends meet. He is currently based in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
VeryDarkMan attended the University of Lagos, Lagos State, where he pursued a degree in Business Administration. A glance at his Instagram page and TikTok videos reveals his strong command of the English language. His eloquence and unwavering stance on trending topics have earned him applause from Nigerians and even celebrities, such as Davido and Korra Obidi.
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. In June 2023, Nigerian singer Davido followed him on Instagram and publicly endorsed him. VeryDarkMan was subsequently nominated for Silverbird's Most Influential Social Media Influencer of the Year award.
Martins Otse gained significant attention when he took on JennyGlow, a popular skincare brand, after a lady accused them of selling products that damaged her skin. His actions led to widespread support from thousands of Nigerians. Encouraged by this success, he expanded his efforts to confront vendors selling products without NAFDAC numbers, all while maintaining a humorous and unique approach to online content.
In a rare video, VeryDarkMan was seen teaching self-defense techniques to Hausa artisans, emphasizing that life doesn’t have to be hard and encouraging people to prioritize their happiness and growth. Netizens have praised him for his principled nature, acknowledging that he cannot be influenced by fame or money.
A close look at Martins Otse’s Instagram page reveals that he isn’t a fashion enthusiast. He often appears in his videos dressed in just a singlet and a pair of trousers, with his chest bared. Occasionally, he can be seen in a shirt and trousers, but his style seems to prioritize comfort over fashion trends.
Controversy
VeryDarkMan was arrested in March 2024 on allegations of cyberbullying and cyberstalking, including false accusations against Nigerian actresses and officials. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in police custody until his hearing on May 29, 2024. After two weeks in detention, he was released. In June 2024, he was arrested again at his Abuja residence on defamation charges related to a social media exposé. VeryDarkMan was questioned by police on June 30, 2024, regarding defamation allegations and released shortly after. No arrest was made, contrary to initial reports.
On September 26, 2024, Falana & Falana Chambers issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Otse via a letter, demanding an immediate retraction and apology for allegedly defamatory statements against Femi Falana, made in his September 25, 2024 Instagram post
