RismadarVoice Reporters, August 25, 2026
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has presented a special recognition award to social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, during its ongoing 2026 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Otse received the award on Tuesday after participating as a panellist at the conference, where he spoke about insecurity, killings and other challenges confronting Nigeria.
Presenting the award on behalf of the NBA President and members, the conference moderator thanked Otse for attending the event and sharing his personal experiences with participants.
The moderator, however, cautioned the influencer against taking the law into his own hands when attacked, urging him to report such incidents to the police.
‘I’m here to share experience, not teach law’
Otse had earlier explained why he was invited to the conference, saying he was not there to lecture lawyers on legal matters.
VeryDarkMan at the NBA Conference in Rivers State
“There has been a lot of debate about why I was invited to this NBA conference. I’m not here to teach you people law; I’m here to share experience,” he said.
During the panel session, he expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria and criticised what he described as inadequate media coverage of killings and attacks.
He argued that insecurity was no longer an issue that could be discussed only in legal terminology because lawyers and judges were also vulnerable to kidnapping and other violent crimes.
VerydarkMan while receiving the Honor at the NBA Conference in Rivers State
Otse referenced the reported abduction of a judge travelling from Sokoto State who was allegedly kidnapped in Kebbi State on July 26 and released about a week later.
The influencer also spoke about the June 13, 2025 attack on Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which was widely reported to have resulted in more than 200 deaths and extensive property destruction.
Otse said he personally witnessed the aftermath of violent attacks, describing himself as an early responder at Yelwata.
He alleged that the Yelwata attack was carried out by Fulani attackers as retaliation for the killing of a Fulani boy.
His comments come amid ongoing legal proceedings relating to the attack.
A police intelligence officer, Moses Paul, had earlier told the Federal High Court in Abuja that some Fulani chiefs allegedly sponsored more than 200 armed men to carry out the Yelwata attack.
Otse’s appearance and recognition at the NBA conference have generated considerable public attention, particularly because of his unconventional role in discussions surrounding insecurity and governance.
The influencer has repeatedly maintained that his invitation was based on his personal experiences and advocacy on insecurity, rather than any claim to legal expertise.
