VeryDarkMan Raises Insecurity Concerns, Attacks on Judiciary at NBA Conference

Social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has raised concerns over insecurity in Nigeria and attacks targeting members of the judiciary at the 2026 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt.

Speaking as a panellist at the conference on Tuesday, Otse said he was invited not to lecture lawyers on legal matters but to share his experience from covering insecurity-related incidents across the country.

He said the security situation had become so serious that even members of the judiciary were being targeted, making it necessary for lawyers to engage with the realities of insecurity beyond the courtroom.

“This is not a topic of ‘may I, my lord’ because your lords are being kidnapped,” he said, while referring to the reported abduction of a judge travelling from Sokoto State who was kidnapped in Kebbi State on July 26 and released about a week later.

VeryDarkMan also criticised the media for what he described as inadequate coverage of killings and attacks linked to insecurity.

He recalled his involvement in responding to victims of violent attacks, including the June 2025 attack on Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

“I was the first respondent at Yelwata. I was also the first respondent when some women were killed some time ago. I’ve seen blood and seen people burnt alive,” he said.

Speaking on the Yelwata incident, Otse said the attack was carried out by Fulani assailants as retaliation for the killing of a Fulani boy.

His comments came amid ongoing legal proceedings over the attack. A prosecution witness had earlier told the Federal High Court in Abuja that some Fulani chiefs allegedly sponsored more than 200 armed men to carry out the attack.

Otse's appearance at the NBA conference has attracted considerable attention, with the influencer previously explaining that his invitation was based on his experience and advocacy on insecurity rather than his knowledge of law.

The NBA is holding its 2026 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, bringing together legal practitioners and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the justice system and the country.