Social media sensation and vocal critic Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has once again captured national attention following a dramatic encounter during a protest he led in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. VDM shared a compelling video detailing how he and his supporters confronted alleged armed thugs who reportedly attempted to disrupt their demonstration against pervasive insecurity.
Protest Against Rising Insecurity Grips Ibadan
The city of Ibadan had been a hive of activity as VDM, at the forefront of the Ratel Movement, rallied supporters to demand urgent government intervention on the escalating crises of kidnapping, banditry, and overall insecurity plaguing Oyo State. A series of videos circulating on social media showcased the intensity of the protest, highlighting the citizens’ growing frustration and their plea for decisive action.
VeryDarkMan’s Direct Confrontation with Alleged Thugs
Amidst the peaceful demonstration, reports quickly surfaced online of a tense moment when a group of suspected thugs allegedly tried to sabotage the gathering. Unfazed, VDM took to his social media platforms to share a vivid clip, showing himself and fellow protesters standing their ground and directly confronting the intruders. In his accompanying caption, the critic explicitly stated that the alleged thugs were armed with bottles and stones, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The video VeryDarkMan shared, depicting his alleged encounter with thugs in Ibadan, is embedded below:
Public Commendation and Governor Makinde’s Vow
The courage displayed by VeryDarkMan and the protesters quickly garnered widespread praise from netizens, who lauded their bravery in the face of adversity. Social media was abuzz with comments applauding their resolve to peacefully advocate for change despite the reported threats.
This incident follows closely on the heels of VeryDarkMan’s high-profile meeting with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. During their discussion, Governor Makinde reportedly made a solemn vow to exert every effort, making a “supreme sacrifice,” to ensure the safe release of the 46 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from the Oriire Local Government Area of the state on May 15. VDM had earlier expressed his determination to directly confront the abductors in the forest, a video of which had also trended online.
Debunked Arrest Rumours Add to VDM’s Profile
Adding another layer to his recent public profile, VeryDarkMan was subject to intense speculation just days prior, on Friday, June 12, 2026, when unverified claims of his arrest circulated widely on social media platforms, particularly Facebook. These rumours sparked considerable concern among his followers until his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, swiftly debunked them as false. These consecutive events underscore VDM’s increasing influence and his active role in public discourse surrounding critical national issues.