Activist tells IGP, DSS DG, Judges that ‘Unknown Gunmen’ are not unknown to government
Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has once again proven that his influence extends far beyond online commentary.
The controversial but popular content creator was officially invited as a speaker at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference — one of the country’s most prestigious professional gatherings.
The high-profile event had in attendance the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), senior government officials, Justices, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and thousands of lawyers from across the country. Access to the event is strictly by invitation.
Speaking on the theme, “Known Gunmen,” VeryDarkMan delivered a fearless and unfiltered address.
In his speech, he challenged the popular narrative of “unknown gunmen,” insisting that the perpetrators of insecurity in Nigeria are not unknown to the authorities. He further alleged that the government knows more about the security crisis than it is willing to admit, and suggested that certain interests within government are benefiting from the insecurity, which is why it has persisted.
He lamented that while the politics of insecurity continues, it is the ordinary Nigerian on the street who bears the brunt.
The moment was significant for many observers who had claimed that the activist had “lost relevance.” From speaking in his room to a phone camera, VeryDarkMan stood before the nation’s top legal and security hierarchy and delivered the same message, without compromise, to their faces.
It was an act many have described as courage and conviction.
In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force has reportedly invited VeryDarkMan to provide verifiable evidence to support his claims. However, the activist has declined to submit his evidence to the police, arguing that the police cannot be a judge in a case in which they are an interested party. According to him, such evidence would only be presented in a court of law.
The drama, as monitored by Aiyekooto Reporters, is far from over as Nigerians await further developments.
Meanwhile, veteran journalist Rufai Oseni has weighed in on the matter, raising a critical question for public discourse: Is VeryDarkMan lying?
