The internet’s loudest critic just lowered his voice.
Social media firebrand Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, has issued a public apology to Nigeria’s security agencies after a controversial speech at the NBA’s 66th Annual General Conference blew up online.
What started as a blistering critique ended with VDM walking back his words, admitting the broad brush he used hurt the very people bleeding on the frontlines.
From Conference Bombshell to Social Media Mea Culpa
At the NBA conference, VDM dropped a grenade. He accused soldiers, police, customs and immigration officers of being “unknown gunmen,” suggesting complicity in kidnapping and insecurity.
The clip went viral in hours, sparking outrage from veterans, serving officers, and ordinary Nigerians.
On Friday, he posted a new video. Tone down, face serious.
“I don’t think I was fair to a lot of people,” he said. “Particularly the speech where I said that the military are the unknown gunmen, the police are the unknown gunmen, the immigration, the customs.”
He stressed he had reasons and “evidence” for what he said, but admitted the delivery was wrong.
“Not Fair to Those in the Bushes Fighting Boko Haram”
The apology zeroed in on troops in combat zones.
“That speech was not fair, especially to the soldiers that are in the bushes fighting Boko Haram to protect our lands, to protect our lives, and to protect our families,” VDM said. “I don’t think it’s fair to say they are also the unknown gunmen, to be very honest, because these people have laid down their lives.”
He explained his real target was not the entire force, but what he called “bad eggs.” His goal, he said, was to force leaders to look inward at leaks and sabotage within their ranks, not to demoralise officers doing their duty.
Police Push Back, Demand Evidence
The apology came days after the Nigeria Police Force summoned him.
Force spokesman CSP Anietie Iniedu dismissed VDM’s checkpoint allegations as unsubstantiated. VDM had claimed some officers identify wealthy travellers at highways and pass information to kidnappers.
The Force insisted that such grave claims must come with credible proof.
For now, VDM says he is shifting focus. Less blanket condemnation, more pressure on commanders to root out corruption from within. Whether that cools the heat remains to be seen.
