- Popular online critic Vincent Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkman, has been accused of involvement in a scandal concerning the alleged theft of N180 million from his non-governmental organisation’s website
- The Federal Capital Territory Police Command stated they are unaware of or investigating the alleged disappearance of N180 million
- Nigerians, including celebrities, have been questioning the validity of VeryDarkman's story, with some accusing him of being dishonest
Popular online critic Vincent Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, has been embroiled in a scandal involving N180 million allegedly stolen from his non-governmental organisation’s website.
VeryDarkMan, known for calling out individuals for their wrongdoings, recently revealed on Instagram that his website had been hacked, resulting in the loss of N180 million. He claimed that an undisclosed individual had been apprehended, and another suspect was being tracked with the help of the police.
However, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has denied any knowledge of the alleged N180 million missing from VeryDarkMan's NGO account.
The command's spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that they had not been informed about the incident and had received no report from VDM or his organisation.
VeryDarkMan had earlier claimed that N180 million was stolen from his organisation's account and that the police were involved in investigating the matter.
The FCT Police Command's denial has sparked further questions about the credibility of VeryDarkMan's claims.
Meanwhile, Nigerians, including celebrities, continue to question the validity of his story.
Celebrities react to VeryDarkMan’s story
Abisoye Olukoya, a public personality based abroad, demanded that VDM provide more information to support his claims.
He posted: "I will make this as simple as possible. You know you are an FBI, and I am a CIA. My teams are coming to take over this case... What kind of security do you have on the website, and what bank was it registered on…?”
He added,” How would you refund the money because that is public money? We need to see the face of the apprehended guy. Leave the rest to us, and we will assure you that all the stolen funds will be returned."
Other celebrities, including controversial musician Portable and social media influencer Blord, have also weighed in on the issue, with some accusing VeryDarkman of being dishonest.
Joseph Oche Udeh, better known by the stage name Big Smart, defended VeryDarkman, citing the website's transparency as a potential vulnerability to hacking.
He stated: "VeryDarkMan sincerely came outside and showed us all the details of this money transaction transparently and we all saw it. How is it impossible for hackers to hack into the account and take 180 million?
“You are joking with hackers, they ó ly need little details. Even when he was explaining the checking in and checking out process of the account, I already knew that this was a big risk. No one asked him to do all this; this guy would be grieving currently.
“This is the best time to know if people can be with you when things go bad or sour. I sincerely believe hackers must have hacked into the money and taken it. Whatever you can do, VeryDarkMan, do it; if you can't, this should not demoralise you. This is my submission because the level of transparency is too much."
A Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur, Linus Williams (Blord), accused VeryDarkman of being a thief and questioned his handling of the funds.
"Criminal !!! You are telling fools. I understand you can link acct to the website via API. Now the question is what is the daily limit of the acct, the acct in question is a personal acc, and it wont be more than 10m daily, Big thief, you learn from your useless mama.
“You always call out Business men/women that genuinely Transact and hold billions in dollars, in any slightest chance you get without even thinking, E reach your turn to just handle small $120k Nigerians Gave you, You cant even handle it, not even upto 6months, Calling rubbish story, “ENOR GO BETTER FOR YOUR MAMA AND HER GENERATION @CoolVeryDarkMan Na This One This Boy Go Confirm problem, if he doesn't provide that money in the next 30days ill sue him for Diverting Public funds and Collecting Money Under false pretense!!!" He posted.
VDM's friend Kokopee also aired his opinion on the matter.
"It is sickening to be in the Nigerian social media space, especially if you are VeryDarkMan. The speed you use in carrying negative news and spreading falsehood is too quick and shocking. Within the twinkling of an eye, VeryDarkMan has turned into a bad person, where did that one start from?
“Someone who works tirelessly. I know Darkie personally, he is committed and it shocks me that Nigerians we wake up and, well, some say many love the hero but most people want to see the hero go to zero. So I am not too surprised.
“But anytime he is arrested, you are always very happy. Why? Do you people like the country's situation or as life is not better you want other people's life to be bitter? Some said he used it for cars and luxuries."
Radiogad posted, "VeryDarkMan, I give you 48 hours to return the money..... My 200 million naira is in that NGO money. You can't play with Nigerians, we are not fools. I have been hearing a lot about VeryDarkMan that he is hosting parties, buying cars and properties for himself and a whole lot."
Carterefe stated, "Everybody na thief for this country. Useless set of people. Verydarkthoef I give you 24 hours to return that money unless....."
Isaac Fayose urged the thief to return the money, acknowledging VDM's influence and capabilities.
Netizens react to VDM’s missing N180 million scandal
Here are some comments below;
@temiszn commented: “VeryDarkMan think say we still dey the era of we listen we don’t judge 😭”
@Solomon_Buchi commented: “Imagine how VeryDarkMan would react if someone else claimed that their NGO’s account was hacked and 180m stolen?
I’m still imagining.”
@abazwhyllzz commented: “Seun was telling me what he would buy if 180 million enters his account yesterday and today VeryDarkMan said his 180 million is missing. Hmmmm”
@Teniiola commented: “Oyemke don take over VeryDarkMan work oo. What is this 😂😂😂”
@yaran_northside commented: “Basically, he's saying that VeryDarkMan is too close to the case 😂😂😂
VDM might be saying the truth oo, but it's good that people are sharing their doubt too, this is one aspect we're lacking as a country.
For once, everybody is asking for accountability.”
@KadunaResident posted: “The man being presented by VDM as a police officer traveling with him is actually Henry, a well-known Taxi Task Force member from Kogi State and a regular driver at Abuja Airport. Show his picture to anyone familiar with the airport, and they will confirm his identity. This level of clout-chasing undermines credibility and will damage his reputation. Integrity should not be compromised for social media clout chasing. I wish him the best!”
N500 million: Nigerians react as Access Bank, VeryDarkMan clash over alleged missing customer funds
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that VeryDarkMan alleged that a deceased Access Bank customer’s N500 million was missing from the account.
Access Bank denied the claims, saying they were “baseless and “untrue,” while Nigerians have taken to social media to express their opinions on the matter.