In a significant philanthropic move, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy has made a substantial donation of $145,000 to social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman. The funds are earmarked for charitable causes, specifically to support the less privileged in Nigerian prisons and hospitals.
The Charitable Mission: Freeing Inmates and Settling Bills
According to Verydarkman, who shared a video of the encounter online on December 27, 2025, the donation from Burna Boy, whose real name is Ebunoluwa Damini Ogulu, has a clear purpose. A primary part of the money is intended to secure the release of inmates who have been held in correctional facilities for extended periods without adequate support or means for bail.
Verydarkman added that a portion of the $145,000 will also be used to settle outstanding medical bills for indigent patients in various hospitals. This dual-focused initiative aims to provide relief in two critical areas of Nigerian society where vulnerable individuals often struggle.
Visit to Apapa Maximum Correctional Centre
The video evidence shared by the activist showed that the plan was immediately put into motion. Both Burna Boy and Verydarkman were seen visiting the Maximum Correctional Centre in Apapa, Lagos, to discuss the logistics of distributing the funds for inmate support.
However, their visit highlighted the necessary protocols involved in such charitable work within the prison system. Officials at the facility informed them of the required procedures that must be followed before any funds could be officially applied. Following this briefing, Burna Boy entrusted the entire sum to Verydarkman, instructing him to return and complete the process once all formalities were satisfied.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and the Public
The revelation of Burna Boy's generosity sparked a wave of reactions from fans and social media users. Many praised the singer for his quiet, impactful act of charity, contrasting it with how other celebrities might have publicly showcased such a donation.
One fan, @Judecstephen, commented on the profound nature of the gesture, stating it showed "wealth pausing its usual noise and listening to suffering." Another user, @WestnotWest, suggested the singer's recent behavioral change was positive.
However, some critics were less impressed, linking the charitable act to recent controversies surrounding the artist. They pointed to previous backlash Burna Boy faced for his treatment of a fan at a concert and reports of low turnout at some of his international shows, implying the donation could be a image-repairing strategy.
This act of philanthropy adds a new chapter to Burna Boy's public narrative in 2025, a year that also saw him release a new album, 'No Sign of Weakness', and engage in other public discourses.
