In a shocking revelation, controversial social media activist Martin Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has confessed to fabricating the story about ₦180 million allegedly missing from his NGO’s account. In a recent video posted on his Instagram account, he explained that the false narrative was part of an experiment designed to showcase how easily unverified information spreads on social media.
Addressing the backlash from his followers and critics, VeryDarkMan stated, “Alright, since the ₦180 million missing from the NGO account, I have been seeing a lot of comments that I never expected.” He expressed gratitude for the attention, asserting that his actions were intended to provoke critical thinking among social media users rather than to seek public validation. Known for advocating for victims of scams, he emphasized his commitment to helping others and creating awareness about fraud.
However, the activist found himself at the center of a storm. He recounted the harsh reactions he faced, including insults directed at his family. “Some people were even insulting my mother, calling her a thief,” he revealed, expressing frustration over the vilification he encountered without any consideration for the facts. VeryDarkMan condemned how quickly social media users jumped to conclusions, questioning their ability to critically analyze situations.
“You know 80% of the people that use social media are stupid, right? This whole thing that happened is a clear opportunity to show you,” he asserted, highlighting the lack of scrutiny given to sensational stories. He challenged his audience to reflect on why they had not questioned the narrative surrounding his fabricated claim. “We are in a country where anything said on social media, nobody bothers to check, nobody bothers to investigate. Everybody starts sharing without thinking,” he said.
VeryDarkMan further critiqued the culture of misinformation that pervades social media, drawing parallels between his fabricated story and other unverified claims circulating online. He lamented, “The whole media has been spoilt, has been ruined,” referring to how easily false information can spread without any evidence or investigation. He mocked the rapid spread of the narrative, stating, “Boom! They just want to comment: ‘₦180 million is missing, VeryDarkMan is a thief.’ Nobody sat down to analyze the situation.”
The activist’s admission has sparked widespread debate within the public sphere. While some praised him for addressing the importance of digital literacy and the need for verification of information, others accused him of being deceptive and manipulative. The incident raises crucial questions about the responsibility of social media users in an age where misinformation can proliferate rapidly.
As discussions continue, VeryDarkMan remains a polarizing figure, prompting followers to reconsider their approach to information in the digital age. His controversial method of highlighting the issue has ignited a broader conversation about the need for critical thinking and vigilance in a time when social media serves as a primary source of news and information for many.
