NBA Under Fire Over VeryDarkMan’s Appearance At 2026 AGC
ABUJA, Nigeria—The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is facing severe backlash for inviting social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to speak at its 2026 Annual General Conference (AGC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
VDM featured as a panelist in a national security session titled “Known Gun Men,” where he shared firsthand insights from traveling through Nigeria’s insecurity hotspots.
VDM Blasts Security Agencies and Government Officials
During the session, the activist dropped several heavy allegations regarding national security and the herder crisis. He alleged that security agencies possess actionable intelligence on criminals but deliberately label them “unknown gunmen.” He claimed local residents often collaborate with external Fulani elements to fuel rural kidnappings.
VDM also accused top officials of dodging the cattle-rearing menace in cities, specifically targeting Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
“We all know Wike is a very stubborn man… but when they asked Wike about the cows, Wike said, ‘I can’t talk about it,'” VDM asserted, claiming the minister knows the heavy investors behind the cattle.
The panel moderator quickly interjected, noting that Wike could not be referenced directly as he was not present to defend himself.
What Wike Actually Said on FCT Cattle Menace
Minister Nyesom Wike has previously acknowledged the city’s herder crisis. During a live media chat on July 1, 2026, Wike publicly apologised for the unresolved issue.
“I apologise to that. I take responsibility that until now there are cows,” Wike stated. However, he categorized the problem as a complex “national security” issue rather than a political one, noting that enforcing bans often triggers false accusations of ethnic or religious bias.
Legal Community Outraged By VDM’s Invitation
The primary source of public anger centres on why a professional body of lawyers invited a controversial non-lawyer, seen by many critics as a rabble-rouser, to its flagship event.
US-based Nigerian lawyer Philip Osokpehai expressed his disgust online, writing, “NBA is now really a sham organization. What the heck has VDM got to do with an NBA conference?”
Many legal practitioners argue that featuring social media commentators devalues the dignity of the legal profession.
Activists Defend VDM’s Inclusion
Conversely, several commentators argue that VDM’s grassroots impact justifies his presence on a security panel.
Social commentator and activist Progress Okuk strongly defended the move on Facebook: “Regardless of any cognitive bias, Martins has earned his place as a core player in civil society and a crusader for justice. He does not hold any criminal record known to the public. If anything, he has protected the rule of law more than most lawyers.”
Okuk also pointed to VDM’s massive social media following of over 5 million young people as proof of his undeniable civic influence, labeling the lawyers’ criticism as hypocritical.
NBA Silent Amid Fresh Leadership Shift
The NBA has not issued an official statement regarding the uproar. However, internal sources suggest the invitation reflects a deliberate strategy by the apex legal body to transition from a rigid, traditional outfit into a youth-friendly institution. Observers note that this modern approach aligns with the style of the outgoing NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, who is viewed as a bridge between the older conservative bar and the younger generation of Nigerians.
