“I Wasn’t Fair” — VDM Apologises After Explosive NBA Remarks

Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has apologised to Nigeria’s security agencies over remarks he made at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference, saying his comments unfairly generalised soldiers, police officers, immigration and customs personnel.

Otse issued the apology in a video shared on Friday, September 4, after reflecting on comments he made during a conference session on insecurity in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The NBA’s 66th Annual General Conference was held in Port Harcourt from August 21 to 28, 2026, under the theme “Beyond Limits,” according to the association’s official conference portal.

During the August 25 panel discussion, Otse criticised the handling of insecurity in Nigeria and referred to military, police, immigration and customs personnel as “unknown gunmen”. His comments generated attention because of the broad reference to security personnel. Punch, Premium Times, Channels Television and Vanguard separately reported his remarks at the conference.

In his latest video, Otse said he had not intended to accuse all security personnel of involvement in criminal activities. He acknowledged that his choice of words could be interpreted as a blanket condemnation of officers who were genuinely working to protect Nigerians.

“I don’t think I was fair to a lot of people,” Otse said while reflecting on the speech.

He specifically apologised to the Chief of Defence Staff and military personnel, including soldiers serving in dangerous areas, while also extending the apology to the police, Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service.

Otse also expressed regret to families of security personnel who had died in service, saying his remarks could have offended relatives of officers and soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the country. Vanguard reported that he urged the Chief of Defence Staff to extend his apology to troops serving in the field.

However, the activist did not withdraw his broader concerns about alleged misconduct within the security system. Reports by Vanguard, Channels Television and other outlets said he maintained that his criticism was directed at what he described as corrupt or compromised individuals rather than all members of the security agencies.

The controversy followed a panel appearance in which Otse challenged the repeated description of perpetrators of violent attacks as “unknown gunmen”. He alleged that some security personnel at checkpoints had information that could assist criminals, claims that were presented as allegations during the discussion.

The NBA conference brought together legal professionals and other stakeholders for discussions on legal practice and wider national issues. The association also recognised Otse with an award following his participation in the conference panel.

Otse’s apology now marks a clarification of his position, with the activist distinguishing between his allegations against individuals he considers compromised and the wider body of security personnel serving across Nigeria.

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