Popular social media personality VeryDarkMan, whose real name is Martin Vincent Ortse, has publicly declined an invitation from the Nigerian Police Force, labeling the summons as "malicious." The decision comes amid ongoing corruption allegations he made against Lagos Assistant Inspector General of Police Moshood Jimoh.
Interview on Arise TV
During an interview on Arise TV on August 5, 2026, VDM addressed his controversial methods, the allegations against AIG Jimoh, and his role as a social commentator. He was questioned about why he chose not to honor the police invitation, which was linked to his corruption claims against the senior police officer.
The Nigerian Police had earlier invited AIG Jimoh for questioning in response to VDM's allegations and also requested VDM to appear to substantiate his claims. The Force noted that the matter is already before the courts and that both judicial proceedings and its internal review would follow due process.
VDM Rejects 'Activist' Label
When asked to describe his role, VeryDarkMan distanced himself from the term "activist." He stated, "I don't like to see myself as an activist. I would say I am an online police. I hold people accountable. I hold the government accountable when I can. That's why I put my mouth in everybody's business, because everybody's business is my business."
He also defended his aggressive approach, comparing himself to a ratel animal that does not back down regardless of the opponent. "My method is not a conventional method. If you look at the animal called ratel, the animal does not beg for anything. It's like an aggressive animal: it does not care how big you are, it does not care if it's a lion, it attacks. For me to want the kind of change I want, we have to not follow the normal method," he added.
Response to Monetization Claims
Addressing musician Seun Kuti's claim that his advocacy is financially motivated, VDM challenged anyone with proof to come forward. "If my method has been monetized, or if, according to what they claim, that one person has given VeryDarkMan money before, I think by now somebody would have come out," he said.
Why He Declined the Police Invitation
When pressed on whether refusing the police invitation contradicts his stated respect for the law, VDM responded directly: "There's a reason why I said I was not going to honour the invitation in Lagos, and it is simply because I think the invitation is malicious."
The self-styled "Ratel President" also touched briefly on the possibility of entering politics, suggesting that meaningful change in Nigeria ultimately requires political participation.
Court Strikes Out VDM's Case
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the criminal case against VDM by the Nigeria Police has been struck out. The court reportedly found insufficient evidence to sustain the charge of impersonation after he appeared in a police uniform in one of his videos. VDM expressed excitement over the ruling, describing it as a major victory after nearly two years of legal battle.
