Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has described social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), as a reflection of Nigeria’s struggling justice system, saying institutional failures have made the activist a channel through which many seek justice.
Farotimi made the remarks while reacting to the controversy surrounding VDM’s participation in the Nigerian Bar Association’s 2026 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Farotimi Questions Nigeria’s Justice System
Farotimi said a society with functional police and judicial systems would not need individuals such as VDM to take up issues of justice on behalf of ordinary citizens.
“A society that has a functional police system and court will not tolerate the presence of VeryDarkMan. VDM is merely the image in your mirror,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s institutional weaknesses have created a situation where people find it easier to seek justice through public activists than through the courts.
“The society you have built requires VDM to fight for justice; it is easier to fight for justice through him than through the courts,” Farotimi added.
‘Last Hope of the Common Man’
Farotimi further challenged the familiar description of the judiciary as the “last hope of the common man”, arguing that public experience suggests otherwise.
“They say the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. Apparently, I disagree. VeryDarkMan is now the last hope of the common man in Nigeria,” he said.
His comments were shared widely on X, including in a post by @ChuksEricE featuring video of the lawyer speaking about VDM.
VDM’s NBA Appearance Draws Debate
VDM participated as a panellist at the NBA’s 66th Annual General Conference, held in Port Harcourt from August 21 to 28, 2026. He spoke during a session on “Known Gunmen or Unknown Gunmen”, where he discussed insecurity and experiences involving affected communities.
His participation attracted criticism from some lawyers and commentators who questioned the decision to invite a non-lawyer to an NBA conference. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana was among those who raised concerns about the expertise required for discussions on specialised areas such as national security.
VDM defended his participation, saying he was invited to share his experiences rather than teach law. He also accused some of his critics of looking down on him because of his background.
Farotimi Defends VDM’s Role
Farotimi, who has consistently criticised Nigeria’s criminal justice system and authored Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, has previously spoken in support of VDM’s public advocacy.
His latest intervention shifts the focus from whether VDM is qualified to speak at an NBA event to why Nigerians increasingly turn to social media figures when seeking attention for alleged injustice.
The debate comes amid continued public concerns over confidence in the police, judiciary and other institutions, particularly as insecurity and allegations of official misconduct remain major national issues.
