Civil Society Coalition Petitions Police Over Alleged Cyber-Stalking By VDM
As concerns grow over the misuse of social media and its impact on public institutions, a coalition of civil society organisations has called for legal action against social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over alleged cyber-stalking, criminal defamation and incitement.
In a petition dated 21 July 2026 and addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Onikan, Jimoh Moshood, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity, and Justice accused Otse of orchestrating sustained online attacks aimed at damaging the reputation of the senior police officer.
The coalition alleged that the social media influencer published false and defamatory claims capable of inciting public hostility, arguing that the actions contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
It urged the police to immediately arrest and investigate Otse, conduct a forensic examination of his digital activities and any alleged collaborators, and prosecute him in a court of competent jurisdiction.
According to the petition signed by the coalition’s National Coordinator, Comrade James Okoronkwo, decisive legal action is necessary to protect the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force and deter what it described as the growing trend of online harassment targeting public officials.
The coalition also pledged to support the police through sustained media advocacy while the matter is pursued in accordance with the law.
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