Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has defended social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, arguing that the activist’s growing influence reflects deeper problems within Nigeria’s justice and law-enforcement systems.
Farotimi argued that a society with an effective police system and functioning courts would not create the circumstances in which a social commentator would become a major channel through which citizens seek justice.
According to the lawyer, VeryDarkMan should be viewed within the context of the society that produced him rather than simply as an individual social media personality.
The comments come amid growing public debate over VeryDarkMan’s activism and the increasingly prominent role he plays in raising allegations and drawing attention to issues involving public institutions.
VeryDarkMan recently appeared at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference, where his participation generated considerable debate among lawyers and members of the public. Reports noted that he was listed for a session focused on insecurity and the legal and institutional gaps contributing to the problem.
The Nigeria Police Force has also demanded evidence from VeryDarkMan over allegations that some police officers operating checkpoints collaborate with kidnappers and bandits.
Farotimi’s position therefore touches on a broader debate about public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions and whether citizens increasingly turn to activists because they believe conventional channels for seeking justice are ineffective.
His comments have added another dimension to the debate over the role of social media activism in Nigeria and the responsibilities of individuals who make serious allegations in the public space.