Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has come under scrutiny after claiming that ₦180 million was stolen from his NGO’s account through a hacking incident. The social media commentator made the allegations in an Instagram video posted last Friday.
In the video, Otse explained that ₦180 million had been transferred to an unknown account, leaving only ₦20 million in the account. However, his claims have sparked doubts, with many questioning the authenticity of his story.
Doubts Raised About the Incident
Dr. J, tweeting under the handle #truebenny001, expressed skepticism, asking, “Was the money in the website or the bank?”
Similarly, Basito (#Itzbasito) questioned the credibility of the explanation, tweeting, “VeryDarkMan said ₦180m is missing from the ₦200m donation for his NGO. See scope o, like say we be primary school students.”
Adding to the criticism, (#Mas_Dinero) voiced disbelief, stating, “₦180 million don vanish just like that? Omo, hackers or no hackers, na who get mind dey this NGO? Because this story no clear o. Money wey no be yours dey waka anyhow? Better call EFCC; this drama don pass ordinary.”
Another user, Mikay (#stephen_mikay), argued that the situation seemed implausible, tweeting, “Lol. It is not possible! Banks set limits to certain transactions. ₦180m cannot go out of a bank account at once without verbal confirmation from the signatories!”
Criticism of VeryDarkMan’s Past Behavior
Some critics pointed out Otse’s history of calling out others on social media.
Star Girl (#lil_maamiiii) remarked, “If it were someone else sharing this VeryDarkMan story, by now he would have set his ring light, with his dirty sachet water and black singlet, analysing God knows what. Lmaooo.”
Datoyo (#heyitzpearl) echoed similar sentiments, tweeting, “Lol. If it were someone else, he would’ve worn a singlet, carried sachet water, set his phone, and pressed record.”
Adding humor to the situation, God (#BRILLIANT_ARIN) commented, “VeryDarkMan said they hacked and stole ₦180m from his NGO website lmao. That’s a familiar method: set camera, blow up, then begin to use foolish scope for the fools who are their stan/audience.”
Calls for Better Cybersecurity
Amid the backlash, some social media users highlighted the importance of robust cybersecurity, especially for organizations handling large amounts of money.
Vincent The Therapist (#mrhighfoster) shared insights on the matter, tweeting, “This is why cybersecurity should be taken seriously in Nigeria. When you know you have a public account receiving a large amount of money, you should enforce its security.
“Now you see why cybersecurity is in high demand all over the world. It’s to prevent issues like this from happening. It’s a very valuable skill to learn for 2025.”
As the controversy grows, many online users are demanding further clarification from Otse regarding the incident. Questions about the veracity of his claims remain unanswered, leaving netizens divided.
Some have called for financial authorities or cybersecurity experts to investigate the situation thoroughly to uncover the truth.
This incident has reignited discussions about the role of cybersecurity in safeguarding public funds. With the increasing use of online platforms for donations and transactions, experts emphasize the need for stricter security measures.
Organizations managing donor funds must invest in firewalls, encrypted systems, and continuous monitoring to prevent cyberattacks. Training staff on cybersecurity best practices can also minimize vulnerabilities.
While some believe Otse’s claims, others remain skeptical, citing inconsistencies in his explanation. This divide among his followers has sparked heated debates online, with many waiting for more concrete evidence or a resolution to the issue.
The alleged hacking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability when managing large donations. NGOs, especially those relying on public contributions, must ensure their financial systems are secure and their operations are transparent.
The story of VeryDarkMan’s ₦180 million theft allegation continues to trend on social media, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians. Whether or not the claims hold, the situation underscores the need for improved cybersecurity measures and accountability in managing public funds.
As more details emerge, the public awaits updates, hoping for a resolution that will restore trust in charitable organizations and their operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happened to the ₦180 million?
Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, claims hackers stole ₦180 million from his NGO’s account. He says the funds were transferred to an unknown account, leaving ₦20 million behind.
2. Why are people doubting his claims?
Many social media users believe the story lacks credibility, citing inconsistencies such as the inability to move such large sums without approval and previous behaviors of the commentator. As it stands there is no official confirmation yet of an ongoing investigation. However, public calls for authorities like the EFCC to step in are growing.
However, Otse has not provided additional clarification beyond his initial Instagram video.
