Martins Vincent Otse — but you probably know him as VeryDarkMan or simply VDM — is no stranger to controversy. The self-proclaimed social media watchdog has made a name for himself by calling out celebrities, influencers, and even politicians with fearless gusto. While many hail him as a hero of truth, others see him as a digital menace. Either way, one thing’s clear — the man knows how to shake a table! BBNaija host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu might even need to start taking lessons from him.
But with great controversy comes… well, legal trouble. And VDM has racked up more police run-ins than a Nollywood plot twist. From cyberbullying charges to viral video backlash, here’s a quick (and dramatic) timeline of his most headline-grabbing arrests:
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March 2024: Trouble Brews with Tonto & Iyabo
VDM’s 2024 started with a bang — and not the good kind. He was arrested over allegations of cyberbullying and cyberstalking, particularly for making bold claims about Nollywood actresses Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo. He pleaded not guilty but was remanded in police custody while awaiting trial. After spending two weeks in detention, he was finally released. The internet, of course, had a field day.
October 2024: The ‘Police Uniform Fiasco’
What happens when a critic dons a police uniform for a viral video? Well, if you’re VDM, you get arrested.
The internet exploded after footage surfaced of him rocking the controversial outfit. While some laughed it off, others accused him of disrespecting the force. The Nigerian police weren’t amused either. After honoring an invitation to explain himself, VDM was detained.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, wasn’t having it. “VDM has always said the police are our friends,” he posted. “Even when we all know they are not.”
Thankfully, the detainment didn’t last long — VDM was later released and back online, doing what he does best.
March 2025: Gospel Drama — Mercy Chinwo Edition
The drama followed VDM into 2025.
A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court over a defamation case involving gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. He had been summoned for March 5 but ghosted the court date, prompting the bench warrant on March 13.
Curiously, though, he was never actually arrested for this one. Maybe someone up there intervened?
May 2025: Arrested at the Bank?!
Just when you thought it couldn’t get weirder, it did.
On May 2, 2025, VDM was reportedly arrested while accompanying a friend to a GTBank branch in Abuja. The arrest sparked immediate backlash online, with many accusing the authorities of targeting him unjustly.
His ever-vocal lawyer Adeyanju posted:
“JUST IN: VDM arrested by the police at GTB. Spoke to them before he was arrested. This is absolutely unacceptable. Demanding accountability is not a crime.”
The story is still unfolding — but if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that with VDM, the drama is never done.
Final Thoughts
Love him or loathe him, VeryDarkMan has become a symbol of Nigeria’s ongoing debate around free speech, cyber accountability, and the fine line between bold truth-telling and defamation.
One thing’s for sure: VDM isn’t backing down anytime soon. And whether he’s trending for his truth bombs or his trouble with the law, he’s always going to give the internet something to talk about.
