Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), is at the center of multiple defamation cases in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja. These legal challenges stem from his controversial social media posts targeting various public figures in Nigeria.
He was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 2, 2025, inside a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja. According to the EFCC, VDM was invited for questioning over multiple petitions alleging serious financial crimes.
VDM's arrest sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as supporters and admirers demanded his unconditional release - and was subsequently released.
These cases highlight ongoing concerns regarding online defamation, freedom of expression, and the legal accountability of social media influencers in Nigeria.