"You Don’t Need to Arrest My Associates to Reach Me" — VeryDarkMan Responds to Alleged DSS Interest While in China
Popular Nigerian social commentator and activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has publicly reacted to reports that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) are allegedly seeking information about his whereabouts while he is currently outside Nigeria.
The controversial influencer, who is reportedly in China, stated that he is not intimidated by the development and has no intention of avoiding a return to Nigeria. According to him, he is expected to be back in the country on June 10.
The latest controversy emerged following claims made by VDM regarding the alleged detention and questioning of one of his associates, Livinus Nwosu. According to a message shared by the activist on his social media platforms, Nwosu contacted him shortly after his release from DSS custody and narrated what allegedly transpired during the interrogation.
In the message, VDM claimed that DSS operatives questioned Nwosu about his relationship with him and sought information regarding when he would be returning to Nigeria. He further alleged that the security agency asked Nwosu to write down the names of individuals believed to be supporting civic awareness campaigns, including social media influencer Tunde Ednut.
According to VDM's account, the names allegedly requested by investigators were linked to efforts aimed at encouraging Nigerians to participate in voter registration and public sensitization campaigns ahead of future elections.
Sharing his reaction, the activist expressed displeasure over the reported detention of his associates, insisting that there was no need for security operatives to arrest or question people around him in order to contact him directly.
In his words:
"Livinus Nwosu sent me some messages after his release from DSS custody. According to the message, DSS picked him up because of me and they are trying to find out when I will be back in Nigeria. They also asked Livinus to write my name and Tunde Ednut's name on a paper as sponsors preaching to the masses on voter card registration and sensitization. Dear DSS, you don't need to pick my people up to get to me."
VDM further maintained that he has nothing to hide and is willing to face any questions from authorities upon his return. He stressed that he remains committed to his advocacy activities and public commentary, despite what he described as growing pressure from powerful interests.
The outspoken activist has become one of Nigeria's most influential online personalities, attracting millions of followers through his criticism of social injustice, alleged corruption, celebrity controversies, and public policy issues. His activities have frequently generated debates and occasionally drawn reactions from government institutions, law enforcement agencies, and public figures.
The DSS, Nigeria's primary domestic intelligence and security agency, has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of writing. As a result, the claims remain those of VeryDarkMan and his associate, and no independent confirmation has yet been provided regarding the circumstances surrounding the reported detention or questioning.
The development has already sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, with supporters of the activist demanding transparency while others have called for caution until all sides of the story are presented.
With VDM insisting that he will return to Nigeria on June 10 despite the alleged interest in his activities, attention is likely to remain focused on what may happen next and whether the security agency will officially address the claims circulating online.
For now, the controversy adds another chapter to the increasingly complex relationship between outspoken digital activists and state institutions in Nigeria's evolving civic and political landscape.
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