VeryDarkMan defends NBA invitation, cites experience

VeryDarkMan defends NBA invitation, cites experience

Social media activist VeryDarkMan tells critics he was invited to share firsthand accounts of insecurity, not to teach law.

ABUJA —Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has responded to criticism over his invitation to speak at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference.

The conference, which is being held from August 21 to 28, has drawn lawyers and other prominent figures for discussions on Nigeria’s legal system and broader national issues.

Addressing the issue on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, he said he was not there to teach lawyers but to share personal experiences of violence and insecurity.

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,” VDM said during the plenary session.

He noted that the topic, which he referred to as “Unknown Known Gunmen,” went beyond courtroom procedure because insecurity has affected members of the legal profession, including judges.

“This is not a topic of ‘may I, my lord’ because your lords are being kidnapped,” he stated.

VDM cited the reported abduction of a judge traveling from Sokoto who was kidnapped in Kebbi on July 26 and held for about a week before release.

He also criticized the media for what he described as lazy coverage of violent attacks and their aftermath.

VeryDarkMan said his perspective was shaped by firsthand experiences at scenes of violence.

“I was the first respondent at Yelwata. I was also the first respondent when some women were killed some time ago,” he said.

He recalled witnessing the aftermath of attacks and explosions, including a Sallah Day bombing in Borno and incidents involving the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and a post office.

“I have seen blood and seen people burnt alive,” VDM added.

On the Yelwata incident, he described it as a retaliatory attack following the killing of a Fulani boy.

He maintained that the invitation allowed him to bring experiences from outside the courtroom into the discussion on insecurity.

VeryDarkMan’s appearance continues to generate debate about the role of non-lawyers in formal legal forums.

The NBA conference plenary on insecurity proceeds with contributions from security officials and legal practitioners.