Social media commentator and activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, is facing significant scrutiny after claiming that ₦180 million was stolen from his NGO account due to a hacking incident. The controversy erupted following an Instagram video posted on December 27, 2024, where Otse detailed the alleged theft, stating that hackers had transferred the funds to an unknown account, leaving only ₦20 million remaining.
Details of the Allegation
In his video, VeryDarkMan revealed that the funds were taken after hackers gained access to his NGO’s website. He expressed distress over the incident and mentioned that law enforcement agencies had tracked one of the suspects involved in the hacking. He assured his followers that one person had been arrested and that he was on his way to Jos with police assistance to recover the stolen money.
VeryDarkMan’s NGO, launched in October 2024, aimed to improve public education in Nigeria and reportedly raised over ₦35 million shortly after its inception, including a notable ₦100 million donation from music producer Don Jazzy.
Public Reaction and Scepticism
Despite the serious nature of the claims, many Nigerians have responded with scepticism. Social media users have raised questions about the credibility of Otse’s story, with some pointing out inconsistencies in how a significant amount of money could be transferred without proper bank security measures. Comments on social media included:
- Doubts About Bank Security: Users questioned how ₦180 million could be withdrawn from a bank account without verification from signatories or appropriate security protocols. One user remarked, “Was the money in the website or the bank?” highlighting confusion over how a website hack could lead to such a large sum being lost.
- Criticism of VeryDarkMan: Some critics referenced Otse’s history of scrutinising others and suggested that if someone else were in his position, he would likely criticise them harshly. Comments like “If it were someone else sharing this VeryDarkMan story, by now he would have set his ring light… analysing God knows what” reflected this sentiment.
- Calls for Accountability: Others emphasised the need for better cybersecurity measures for NGOs handling large sums of money. A user noted that cybersecurity is increasingly important to prevent such incidents from occurring.
Implications for VeryDarkMan and His NGO
The backlash against VeryDarkMan’s claims raises significant questions about transparency and accountability within NGOs in Nigeria. As public trust is crucial for organisations relying on donations, any perceived mishandling of funds can have lasting repercussions on their reputation and ability to raise future contributions.Moreover, if investigations reveal discrepancies in Otse’s account, it could lead to further scrutiny not just for him but for other activists and NGOs operating in similar spaces.
By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
