Port Harcourt – August 25, 2026: Social media activist and commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), took the stage as a panellist at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 2026 Annual General Conference on Tuesday, delivering a blunt assessment of Nigeria’s insecurity crisis and pushing back against those who questioned his presence among senior lawyers.
Speaking during a plenary session on “Known Gun Men,” VDM told the audience he was not there to lecture on the law. “There has been a lot of debate about why I was invited to this NBA conference. I’m not here to teach you people law; I’m here to share experience,” he said.
He noted that insecurity has reached the judiciary itself: “This is not a topic of ‘may I, my lord’ because your lords are being kidnapped.” He cited the reported abduction of a judge travelling from Sokoto who was kidnapped in Kebbi on July 26 and held for about a week before release.
VDM described himself as having been a “first respondent” at multiple scenes of violence. “I was the first respondent at Yelwata. I was also the first respondent when some women were killed some time ago,” he stated.
He recounted witnessing the aftermath of a Sallah Day bombing in Borno State and other incidents involving the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and a post office. “I have seen blood and seen people burnt alive,” he said. On the Yelwata attack, he claimed it was carried out by Fulani attackers in retaliation for the killing of a Fulani boy.
He rejected the common description of perpetrators as “unknown gunmen.” Addressing a panel that included the Inspector-General of Police and other security chiefs, VDM declared: “You people know where these people are. You people know these ‘unknown gunmen’. But nothing is happening.” He went further: “There are no unknown gunmen anywhere. The military, police, immigration, and customs are the unknown gunmen; nobody else.”
He linked the crisis to politics, saying those who benefit—including elements in government, police, and military—perpetuate it, and alleged that cattle-related businesses have political backing and are used for money laundering.
VDM also called for citizens to be better able to protect themselves. “They need to make provisions for citizens to protect themselves. Make it easy for us to get guns because right now they are understaffed. They can’t protect everybody,” he said, noting that security personnel number far fewer than needed for a population of over 200 million.
His appearance generated mixed reactions. Some lawyers and social media users criticised the NBA for inviting a social media activist, with comments such as “The NBA is so embarrassing; first Portable, now VDM” and questions about the value of membership dues. Others defended his inclusion, praising his influence and firsthand perspective.
According to the official conference programme, the session was designed to involve security leaders, lawyers, and policymakers in discussing legal and institutional gaps fuelling insecurity. Other listed participants included the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the State Security Service, and senior lawyers, with Ebun-Olu Adegoruwa, SAN, as moderator.6
After the session, the NBA presented VDM with a special recognition award for attending and sharing his experiences. The moderator, speaking on behalf of the NBA president and members, said: “On behalf of the president and members of the Nigeria Association, I present this award to be here with us and share your own experience. But please, when you are attacked, don’t k!ll. Report to the police.” A military representative at the conference cautioned VDM against making unsubstantiated allegations.
The conference continues through August 28, drawing lawyers and other figures to discuss Nigeria’s legal system and broader national issues. VDM’s appearance has amplified public conversation about insecurity, the role of non-traditional voices in formal forums, and the challenges facing the country’s security architecture.
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