Martins Vincent Otse (popularly known as VeryDarkMan or VDM), a Nigerian social commentator and activist, has built a reputation for fearlessly confronting powerful figures, especially within religious circles.
His mission centers on exposing hypocrisy, defending free speech, and demanding accountability from those who wield influence.
In recent months, VDM has publicly called out several prominent pastors, sparking national conversations about morality, abuse of power, and the role of religion in society. Below are three notable instances where VDM challenged Nigerian pastors:
1. Pastor Amos Isah
In June 2025, VDM expressed strong disapproval following the arrest of Pastor Amos Isah, the leader of Prophetic Victory Voice of Fire Ministry located in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Previously, the pastor had taken to social media to criticize VDM, labeling him a fraudulent activist and demanding his public humiliation.
However, the situation shifted dramatically when Pastor Amos was apprehended by the Nigerian Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) on charges of allegedly molesting a 14-year-old girl on the grounds of his church.
The case quickly became a hot topic online, particularly after the girl reportedly admitted to having several sexual partners, raising concerns that this information could be used to undermine her credibility.
VDM released a video that balanced outrage with caution. He expressed skepticism regarding the girl’s admission but maintained that if Pastor Amos had indeed assaulted her, he should face prosecution, irrespective of her sexual history.
He stressed that it was the court’s role to ascertain the truth, while also seizing the opportunity to call out the hypocrisy of religious leaders who publicly denounce others yet engage in illicit activities in private.
This incident further solidified VDM’s standing as a bold critic of institutional misconduct and enriched the public conversation about accountability within religious institutions.
2. Pastor David Ibiyeomie
On June 4, 2025, VDM published a harsh video aimed at Pastor David Ibiyeomie, the founder of Salvation Ministries. This release followed the pastor’s public admonition to bloggers and critics, warning them against making negative remarks about him and threatening legal action against anyone who did.
VDM found this authoritarian approach offensive and accused Pastor Ibiyeomie of delivering “nonsense” in his sermons.
He asserted that after reviewing the pastor’s teachings, he found them lacking in depth and protected from examination through threats of arrest.
VDM’s video was both provocative and analytical, as he scrutinized the pastor’s language and questioned his intolerance for opposing views.
He contended that religious leaders ought to welcome criticism, particularly when they hold considerable sway over public opinion and moral standards.
The video elicited a wide range of responses, with many Nigerians commending VDM for challenging authority, while others believed he had overstepped by showing disrespect to a respected figure.
Unnamed Pastor (Online Mobilization Against VDM)
In a separate incident, VDM accused an unnamed Nigerian pastor of mobilizing his congregation to launch coordinated online attacks against him. This followed VDM’s outspoken criticism of certain religious practices and leaders, which apparently provoked backlash from the pastor’s followers.
According to VDM, the pastor used his pulpit and social media platforms to encourage believers to discredit and harass him online, framing the activist as a threat to the church.
VDM condemned the move as manipulative and cowardly, arguing that spiritual leaders should engage in open dialogue rather than incite hostility. He warned against the misuse of religious influence to silence dissent and called on Nigerians to recognize the difference between faith and fanaticism.
Though the pastor’s identity was not publicly confirmed, the episode underscored the risks VDM faces in his crusade against institutional abuse and the lengths some figures will go to protect their reputations.
VeryDarkMan’s broader mission appears to be challenging authority figures who misuse their platforms. Whether it is exposing abuse, calling out hypocrisy, or defending free speech, he has been able to make it clear that no one is above scrutiny.
