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Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), became one of the major talking points at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
VDM’s appearance at the gathering on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, attracted attention because the event primarily brings together lawyers, judges, policymakers and other professionals in the justice sector. His invitation as a panellist raised questions among some observers about why a social media personality was given a platform at such a high-profile legal gathering.
Addressing the controversy surrounding his invitation, VDM explained that he was not at the conference to lecture lawyers on legal matters. Instead, he said he had been invited to speak from his personal experiences, particularly those connected to insecurity and violent incidents across the country.
The discussion focused heavily on Nigeria’s security challenges. VDM challenged the continued use of the expression “unknown gunmen” to describe attackers behind violent incidents.
He questioned whether perpetrators could genuinely remain unidentified when security agencies have access to intelligence and information that could potentially help establish their identities.
One of the most controversial suggestions from his presentation was his call for easier access to firearms for citizens who want to defend themselves.
VDM argued that security agencies are not adequately staffed to protect everyone and suggested that Nigerians should have a legal avenue to obtain guns for self-defence. The proposal immediately became a major talking point from his appearance.
He also argued that insecurity should be of particular concern to members of the legal profession because judges and other judicial figures are not immune from attacks.
He referenced the reported kidnapping of a judge travelling from Sokoto State, who was abducted in Kebbi State in July and later released.
VDM further drew on his claimed experiences at scenes of violence, particularly the June 2025 attack in Yelwata, Benue State. He described himself as a first respondent at the scene and said his experiences had exposed him directly to the devastating consequences of violent attacks.
Beyond security agencies, VDM criticised the media and political actors over the handling of insecurity. He alleged that some interests may benefit from the continuation of the crisis.
However, a military representative at the conference pushed back, cautioning him against making serious allegations without evidence and stressing the importance of properly substantiating such claims.
Despite the controversy surrounding his participation, VDM was later presented with a special recognition award by the NBA. The recognition, however, was accompanied by advice that he should rely on the police and lawful channels rather than take the law into his own hands if attacked.
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