Social media activist and commentator, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has responded to criticism over his invitation to speak at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 2026 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
VeryDarkMan participated as a panellist on Tuesday, speaking on insecurity and the experiences of victims of violence.
The conference, which runs from August 21 to 28, has brought together lawyers and other prominent personalities to discuss issues affecting Nigeria’s legal system and wider society.
Addressing criticism over his participation, VeryDarkMan said he was not invited to lecture lawyers on legal matters but to share his personal experiences of insecurity and violence.
“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 said critics may have misunderstood the focus of the session, which he referred to as “Unknown Known Gunmen.”
According to him, the discussion was not limited to courtroom procedures, particularly as insecurity has increasingly affected members of the legal profession.
“This is not a topic of ‘may I, my lord’ because your lords are being kidnapped,” he said.
VeryDarkMan cited the reported abduction of a judge travelling from Sokoto, who he said was kidnapped in Kebbi on July 26 and released after spending about a week in captivity.
The activist also criticised the media for what he described as inadequate coverage of violent attacks and their aftermath.
He said his views on insecurity were informed by firsthand experiences at several scenes of violence across the country.
“I was the first respondent at Yelwata. I was also the first respondent when some women were killed some time ago,” he said.
VeryDarkMan recalled witnessing the aftermath of attacks and explosions, including a Sallah Day bombing in Borno, as well as 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, VeryDarkMan described the incident as a retaliatory attack following the killing of a Fulani boy.
“In Yelwata, it was Fulani that attacked. It was a retaliation because a Fulani boy was killed and these guys came back to attack,” he said.
He maintained that his invitation to the NBA conference was intended to bring perspectives from outside the courtroom into discussions on insecurity and its impact on Nigerians, rather than to teach lawyers about the law.
Comments