Controversy has erupted surrounding the claims made by social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, regarding the alleged theft of N180 million from his NGO’s account. Initially, VeryDarkMan reported that hackers had gained access to his NGO’s website, resulting in the diversion of funds. However, he has since clarified that the money is not missing and remains intact in his bank account.
On December 27, 2024, VeryDarkMan took to Instagram to announce that N180 million had been stolen from his NGO, the Martins Vincent Osei Initiative, following a cyber breach. He claimed that after the hacking incident, only N20 million remained in the account, and law enforcement had arrested a suspect linked to the crime. His statement sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many users expressing skepticism about how a website hack could directly affect bank funds. Critics questioned the validity of his claims, suggesting that if such a significant amount were genuinely missing, he would not be casually traveling when police headquarters was nearby.
In response to VeryDarkMan’s allegations, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command stated they were unaware of any reports regarding missing funds from his NGO account. The police spokesperson emphasized that there was no ongoing investigation into the matter and suggested that VeryDarkMan clarify where he reported the incident. This lack of official acknowledgment from law enforcement further fueled doubts about the authenticity of his claims.
On December 31, 2024, VeryDarkMan addressed the controversy directly. He asserted that “the money’s not missing” and criticized social media users for jumping to conclusions without seeking further information. He emphasized that the funds were secure in his bank account and expressed frustration over people’s readiness to believe sensational stories without critical analysis. He remarked:
“Nobody sat down to analyze that if N180M was missing in my account, I would not be going to Jos when the police headquarters is in Abuja”.
This statement reflects his belief that many individuals failed to consider logical reasoning before reacting.
In a subsequent update on December 29, VeryDarkMan announced that N78 million had been recovered from the alleged theft. He expressed gratitude for the support he received during this challenging time and indicated ongoing efforts to track down remaining funds. According to him, one suspect had revealed that an accomplice had fled to Ghana, prompting plans for further action across borders. He stated:
“Thanks to those who called to check up on me… we have been able to recover N78 million”.
The incident has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some supporters rallied behind VeryDarkMan during this tumultuous period, many others remained skeptical of both his claims and recovery efforts. Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for opinions on whether his story holds merit or if it is simply a ploy for attention.
Critics have pointed out inconsistencies in his narrative and questioned how a website hack could lead to such significant financial loss. This skepticism is compounded by the FCT Police’s disavowal of any knowledge regarding missing funds.
The situation surrounding VeryDarkMan’s alleged missing NGO funds continues to unfold amid public scrutiny and skepticism. His insistence that “the money’s not missing” contrasts sharply with initial claims of theft and raises questions about transparency and accountability within NGOs. As investigations progress and more information becomes available, it remains to be seen how this controversy will resolve and what implications it may have for VeryDarkMan’s reputation and future endeavors in activism.