Civil Society Coalition Petitions Police Over Alleged Cyberstalking, Defamation by VeryDarkMan

Civil Society Coalition Petitions Police Over Alleged Cyberstalking, Defamation by VeryDarkMan

A coalition of civil society organisations has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force, calling for the immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution of social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations of cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and incitement.

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity, and Justice has submitted an urgent petition to the Inspector-General of Police, alleging that Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), engaged in a sustained campaign of cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and incitement against the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

In the petition signed by the coalition's National Coordinator and Convener, Comrade James Okoronkwo, the group accused the social media influencer of using his online platforms to publish what it described as false and defamatory content aimed at undermining the integrity and statutory authority of the police leadership.

The coalition claimed that the alleged online attacks went beyond social media commentary and constituted offences under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, including cyberstalking, criminal defamation, and conduct capable of causing a breach of public peace.

According to the petition, the group had previously undertaken media campaigns to counter what it described as misleading narratives against the police but argued that public rebuttals alone were insufficient to address the situation.

The coalition urged the police to take decisive legal action, including:

The immediate arrest of Martins Otse by relevant tactical units or the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC).

A comprehensive forensic investigation into his online activities, as well as any alleged collaborators or sponsors behind the purported campaign.

His prompt prosecution before a court of competent jurisdiction, which the group said would serve as a deterrent against similar conduct.

The petition further argued that attacks targeting the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force could have broader implications for public confidence in law enforcement and national security.

The coalition pledged its continued support for the police through advocacy and public engagement should legal action be initiated.

As of the time of filing this report, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition. Likewise, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement indicating whether it would act on the demands contained in the petition.