# Controversy and apology regarding VeryDarkMan at NBA > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-verydarkman-at-nba-conference > Updated: 2026-09-04T11:22:53.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 4. Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, sparked controversy during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt. During a session titled ‘Known Gun Men’, Otse alleged that security agencies, including the military, immigration, and customs, are often the actual ‘unknown gunmen’ responsible for violence. He further claimed that police officers at checkpoints relay information about wealthy travelers to kidnappers to facilitate abductions. The Nigeria Police Force formally rejected these claims, labeling them ‘unsubstantiated and unfairly damaging’ and challenging Otse to provide credible evidence. NPF spokesperson Ani Iniedu stated that such sweeping accusations are demoralizing to officers serving with integrity. In response, Otse indicated he would honor an invitation to appear before the police but refused to hand over his evidence during questioning, stating he intends to present it in court if charged. He also released an unverified video on Instagram, which he described as his ‘first evidence’, and alleged that poor welfare and remuneration contribute to hostility within the force. While the NBA presented Otse with a recognition award for his firsthand experiences with violence, the decision to include a non-lawyer drew criticism from legal professionals. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana argued that the NBA should prioritize intellectual engagement with experts rather than entertainment. Otse has since accused critics of the legal profession of classism. Following the controversy, lawyer Dele Farotimi suggested the rise of such figures serves as an indictment of a failing legal system, noting that citizens increasingly seek justice through social media rather than formal courts. Additionally, influencer DeeOne accused Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu of providing preferential treatment, alleging the IGP is shielding Otse from arrest despite his refusal to comply with police invitations, contrasting this with the recent arrests of other public figures. ## Claims - Some police officers pass personal information gathered at checkpoints to kidnappers and bandits. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The Nigeria Police Force rejects the allegations as unsubstantiated and damaging. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Speakers addressing national security should have contributed to the country's security architecture. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The police will investigate and discipline any individual officers found to be corrupt. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Nigerian Bar Association's past conferences were not circus shows. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Vincent Otse will attend the police invitation but intends to present his evidence in court rather than to the police. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media activist Martins Vincent Otse to provide evidence for his claims. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Police officers are becoming hostile to citizens due to poor remuneration and welfare. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Martins Vincent Otse released a video on Instagram containing what he described as his first piece of evidence. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Politics is at the root of insecurity in Nigeria. (single source) - Elements within the government and security agencies benefit from the country's insecurity. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: VeryDarkMan apologizes to Nigerian security agencies Social media activist VeryDarkMan has apologized to Nigerian security agencies after previously labeling military and police personnel as ‘unknown gunmen’ during a speech on national insecurity. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/verydarkman-apologizes-to-nigerian-security-agencies ### 2026-08-31: Nigeria judicial system criticized amid VeryDarkMan controversy Nigerian legal experts and influencers are criticizing the judicial system and the Inspector-General of Police, alleging that social media activist VeryDarkMan receives preferential treatment over other citizen 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-judicial-system-criticized-amid-verydarkman-controversy ### 2026-08-27: Nigeria Police summon VeryDarkMan over kidnapping collusion claims The Nigeria Police Force has summoned activist Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) to prove allegations that checkpoint officers collude with kidnappers. Otse intends to present his evidence in court. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-invite-verydarkman-to-prove-corruption-claims ### 2026-08-25: Nigeria Police challenge VeryDarkMan over kidnapping collusion claims Social media activist VeryDarkMan faces police scrutiny after alleging that Nigerian officers at checkpoints assist kidnappers. The police have demanded evidence, while legal experts criticize his inclusion at- 26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/martins-otse-receives-award-at-nigerian-bar-association-conference --- Cite as: Controversy and apology regarding VeryDarkMan at NBA. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-verydarkman-at-nba-conference