Nigerian filmmaker Onyeka Nwelue has sparked massive social media controversy after calling out popular online critic Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, for allegedly selling counterfeit iPhones to Nigerian consumers.
The Viral Accusation That Started It All
In a tweet that rapidly gained traction across various social media platforms, Nwelue reminded Nigerians about VeryDarkMan's origins as an online watchdog. The filmmaker pointed out the irony in the social media personality's current business ventures compared to his initial brand identity.
"VeryDarkMan started with calling out entities without NAFDAC numbers. Now, he is selling fake iPhones. Nigerians are wonderful people," Nwelue tweeted on November 16, 2025.
VeryDarkMan's Controversial Past with iPhone Business
This isn't the first time VeryDarkMan has been involved in iPhone-related controversies. Several months prior, the social media critic engaged in a heated exchange with businessman Blord, accusing him of deceptive practices in the smartphone market.
During that confrontation, VeryDarkMan exposed Blord for allegedly selling a refurbished iPhone XR as the much newer iPhone 17 Pro. The online personality, who was in China at the time, claimed Blord was attempting to extort Nigerians through inflated prices and false innovation claims.
VeryDarkMan revealed that the supposed "iPhone 17 Pro" was actually an upgraded iPhone XR that could be purchased for approximately ₦280,000 in China, including shipping and delivery costs to any location in Nigeria.
Nigerian Social Media Erupts with Reactions
The filmmaker's accusation has ignited fierce debates across social media platforms, with supporters and critics of VeryDarkMan weighing in on the controversy.
One user named remenboi questioned the relevance of NAFDAC to iPhones, commenting: "Shey iPhone dey get Nafdac no."
Another user, ezra_ned, challenged the comparison: "products without NAFDAC numbers are most likely harmful to users, can you explain how the phones are harmful? una no even dey think before una cook comparisons."
Mikeyofabj offered a detailed perspective: "Saw some clowns in the comments saying it is an upgraded iPhone is not fake. First of all an XR that the back glass and some other things were changed to look like an iPhone 17 is not Upgraded, the only upgrade is to your ego."
Shaddai_001 analyzed VeryDarkMan's motivations: "He was just in love with the algorithm and getting engagement and making his money, freedom fighting was never his first calling, that's why he looked for controversies up and down. He was the hero Nigeria deserved but he was never a true hero."
The debate continues to rage online, with many questioning the ethical consistency of a former consumer protection advocate now facing accusations of selling questionable products himself.
