Social Media Activist VeryDarkMan Mocks NBA Backlash by Dressing as Lawyer

Social media activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has responded to the controversy surrounding his invitation to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference with a satirical video. In the footage, Otse adopts the persona of a lawyer, complete with a wig and gown, to mock the backlash he received for attending an event intended for legal professionals despite not being a lawyer.

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If I may, my lords, since you people decided to ignore all the points I raised at the NBA, all the points I raised about the insecurity, the people benefiting, you people decided to distract yourself by judging me and saying I was not fit to be there because I’m not a lawyer.

The roughly three-and-a-half-minute video, shared on Instagram, features Otse in traditional barrister attire, sunglasses, and a wig. He refers to himself as a lawyer and makes sarcastic remarks, parodying legal proceedings. Otse defended his presence at the conference, themed "Be Your Limit," arguing that his advocacy and experience concerning insecurity made him a qualified participant in discussions, particularly those related to the topic.

"If I may, my lords, since you people decided to ignore all the points I raised at the NBA, all the points I raised about the insecurity, the people benefiting, you people decided to distract yourself by judging me and saying I was not fit to be there because I’m not a lawyer," Otse stated in the video. He humorously declared, "I’ve been called to bar. So now, you are now my learned colleagues."

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I’ve been called to bar. So now, you are now my learned colleagues.

Otse further parodied legal discourse by citing "section 343 of the VDM constitution," adding, "he who price must pay. And if you play, you go and learn." He also jokingly alluded to the conference topic, "Be Your Limit," as "Non-gun man," referencing his past comments on insecurity and firearms. The video includes two other men presented as his "learned friends," continuing the mock courtroom act.

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he who price must pay. And if you play, you go and learn.

The activist's participation in the NBA conference had drawn criticism, with some questioning his suitability for an event for legal professionals. Senior lawyer Femi Falana had previously voiced skepticism about the justification for Otse's invitation. Otse's satirical response directly addresses these criticisms, framing his presence as a valid contribution to the discourse on insecurity and governance.

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A large majority of Nigerians believe that I was not supposed to be present at this year’s NBA conference titled Be Your Limit. But my lord, I beg to differ because I am the most qualified, especially because of the topic that was addressed.