How did Nigerian Activist VDM become famous in less than 2 years . is VDM Gay ? 5 Year Old Video Trends on fb of VDM defending Gay Sex . who is his wife or girlfriend ? why is he usually bare chested in photos and videos . Nigerians ask questions
I decided to research this
VeryDarkMan (VDM)
Here’s a breakdown based on what is publicly available about Martins Vincent Otse (a.k.a. VeryDarkMan / VDM) — what we know, what remains unverified, and what you asked about.
How he became famous in less than 2 years
What we do know:
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VDM’s rise to prominence is tied to his use of social media — Instagram, TikTok and similar platforms where he posted outspoken commentary on social issues in Nigeria. Biopreneur+2ThisNigeria+2
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He first gained wide public attention around 2022 for his video exposés, particularly calling out a skincare brand for alleged harmful products, which resonated because many Nigerians are concerned about unregulated beauty products. TheCable Lifestyle+1
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His activism then expanded into other arenas — exposing debt issues, calling out corruption, and engaging with younger Nigerians who felt traditional structures were failing them. nigerianewssource.com.ng+2Biopreneur+2
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His physical appearance (muscular build, bare-chested posts) and persona (“The Ratel”, referring to a honey badger — symbolizing toughness and fearlessness) helped him stand out in a crowded social-media field. ThisNigeria+1
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Once he became visible, controversies and legal issues also added to his profile (which can often raise an influencer’s public recognition). He was arraigned for cyber-bullying / defamation of celebrities. Afrocover+2ThisDay Live+2
 
Why “less than 2 years”:
While exact dates vary, many reports note his major breakout around 2022, meaning that by 2024–2025 he was widely known. For example, one article says “his social media activism commenced in 2022” and by 2024‐2025 he was a major figure. Peoples Gazette Nigeria+2Biopreneur+2
So his rise was driven by a mix of: being on trend topics, using social media effectively, and positioning himself as a bold voice on issues many Nigerians cared about.
Is VDM gay? Video of him “defending gay sex” trending
What is claimed:
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There are reports of a 5-year old video of VDM allegedly defending gay sex, which is being referenced online. (I was not able to independently verify the full content of that video beyond secondary hearsay.) For example, in one news outlet:

“DeeOne … alleged that he had proof to back up his claims against VDM … provided evidence to his ‘gay sex’ allegations against controversial Activist VeryDarkMan (VDM).” VONa Communications
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This suggests accusations exist about VDM’s stance or personal life, but they hinge on claims and purported “proof” that are not publicly verifiable (at least in the sources I found).
 
What we do not know / what remains unverified:
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There is no credible public statement from VDM confirming that he is gay.
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The “video” in question has not been reliably traced and confirmed in mainstream media sources I found. The article above mentions “a sneak peek to VDM’s ‘gay sex’ video” but does not show the full original. VONa Communications
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Because of the heavy allegation nature, and the lack of widely verified evidence, one should treat the claim with caution.
 
My summary:
At this time, there is no reliable public record that convincingly shows VDM has come out as gay or that the video in question has been confirmed by trustworthy sources. The claims exist, but they remain unverified in mainstream documentation.
Who is his wife or girlfriend?
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In various profiles, VDM is noted to be “in a relationship with a Russian woman named Anna”. For example: one article states: “Currently in a relationship with a Russian woman named Anna”. Biopreneur
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However, I could not verify credible public records (interviews, legal documents) about a formal marriage, wedding, or widely acknowledged girlfriend outside the above mention.
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So far as the public record shows: no confirmed wife, and the “girlfriend” mention is unverified beyond citing one source.
 
Why is he usually bare-chested in photos and videos?
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VDM’s persona includes a “fitness expert” tag: he is described in one article as “the 30-year-old fitness expert … with a muscular build”. TheCable Lifestyle
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The “bare-chested” imagery fits with the symbolism he uses: strong physique + dark skin + “Ratel” identity (tough, fearless) which helps brand his activist identity. opinionnigeria.com+1
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Also, in social media imagery, being bare-chested often signals authenticity, body-confidence, and a rejection of formal/elitist styles — fitting with his ‘grassroots’ & youth‐oriented brand.
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So, the reason is likely strategic: to stand out, convey strength, connect with younger audiences, and differentiate himself from more formal activists.
 
Final note & caveats
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Many of the claims about VDM come from commentary, blog posts, or media articles that themselves cite social media or informal sources. Some things are clear (his rise via social media, his activism, controversies). Others (his personal life, sexual orientation) are murkier and less verified.
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As with any public figure in a high-controversy space, there is mixing of fact + rumor + social media claims. I advise treating “unverified” claims (such as the “gay sex” video or exact relationship status) with caution.
 
Quick summary (direct answers)
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How he became famous so fast: VDM rose quickly through viral social-media exposes and outspoken video posts that called out celebrities, companies and institutions — those clips, plus arrests and controversies, amplified his profile. Wikipedia+1
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Is VDM gay? There are public accusations and a radio host (DeeOne) who showed what he said was “evidence” on-air, but I could not find a verifiable original video or an on-record confirmation from VDM himself. The claim is therefore unverified. Legit.ng – Nigeria news.+1
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About the “5-year-old video” trending: media reported that clips/allegations were shown or referenced on radio and social platforms (DeeOne/Naija FM), which drove the trend — but the full original video has not been publicly released by a mainstream/verified source. Legit.ng – Nigeria news.+1
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Wife/girlfriend: there’s no publicly verified record of a wife. Various entertainment write-ups and social clips reference girlfriends (some recent clips show him with someone on TikTok/YouTube and there are mentions of a “Russian woman named Anna” in profile pages), but none of that is a formal, well-sourced confirmation of marriage. GistReel+1
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Why he’s often bare-chested: it’s part of his public persona/branding — he’s a fitness-conscious influencer and often posts shirtless videos/images (his Instagram and many news photos show this). The look reinforces a “tough, grassroots” image and helps him stand out online. instagram.com
 
What I found (evidence, source by source)
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Wikipedia / general bios: consolidated timeline of his breakout (active from ~2020–2022, arrests, controversies and rise via social media). Useful for timeline context. Wikipedia
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News outlets (Vanguard, Punch, Guardian, Premium Times): repeated coverage of his arrests (cyberbullying/defamation/EFCC involvement) and public disputes — those events increased visibility. Examples: EFCC/GTBank-related arrest in May 2025; earlier 2024 remands over alleged cyberbullying. Vanguard News+2Punch Newspapers+2
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Allegation / “gay video” reporting: Legit.ng and multiple social posts reported that comedian/radio personality DeeOne displayed what he claimed was evidence on Naija FM and social platforms — that’s the immediate source of the recent trend. Those outlets report the allegation but don’t show a verified original clip. That’s why the claim remains an allegation in public reporting. Legit.ng – Nigeria news.+1
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Social media (Instagram / YouTube / TikTok): VDM’s official handles show frequent shirtless photos and dance/activist videos; there are also clips of him with women and livestreams where he’s affectionate — which fuels dating-rumours but does not prove marriage. instagram.com+1
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Biographies / blog profiles: multiple entertainment biography pages repeat similar info (birth name Martins Vincent Otse, born 1994, from Kaduna/Benin); some list personal relationships but sources are often informal. Treat these as secondary. GistReel+1
 
My conclusions (plain, careful)

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There are media and social reports claiming an old video exists and that radio personalities have shown “evidence.” But I could not find an independently verifiable original video released by a mainstream outlet or by the person who’s alleging it — only clips of the allegation being made and secondary reports. Because sexual-orientation claims are sensitive and can be weaponized, the responsible stance is: allegation, unverified. Legit.ng – Nigeria news.+1
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His rapid fame is real and explainable: viral social videos + being openly confrontational + repeated legal/press incidents created a feedback loop that made him a household name quickly. Wikipedia+1
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Relationship status: no publicly verifiable proof of marriage. Social clips/rumours point to girlfriends at times; those are not the same as verified marital records.
 
1) Original video / earliest clip of the “VDM gay” allegation — what exists and where it started
Short answer: there is no widely-published, independently-verified “full original” video released by a mainstream, verified outlet that shows VDM having gay sex. What is public are (a) radio appearances where DeeOne (ex-BBNaija/comedian) showed what he said was evidence on his phone live on Naija FM and (b) short social clips / YouTube compilations that claim to show leaked clips. Those radio/social clips are the proximate cause of the recent trend — but they are secondary material (people showing or describing alleged content), not a verified primary release of the original intimate video.
Key items I located:
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Legit.ng report summarizing DeeOne showing “evidence” on Naija FM (published Feb 14, 2025). This is one of the earliest mainstream writeups about DeeOne presenting alleged proof. Legit.ng – Nigeria news.
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Multiple short YouTube clips and Facebook posts labelled as “leaked gay videos” or “DeeOne shows alleged video” — these are secondary clips (uploads by users/YouTubers). Examples: YouTube compilations titled “Recent Gay videos of VDM Leaked!” and “Deeone Releases VDM’s Alleged Audio.” These uploads exist, but they appear to be commentary/compilations rather than authenticated originals. YouTube+1
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Social posts (Facebook / Instagram) captured the live moment or screenshots when DeeOne displayed his phone on air. These posts circulated widely and are what made the story trend. Example social capture: a Facebook post showing “The moment Deeone showed an alleged video of vdm … on Naija FM.” facebook.com+1
 
My assessment: the trend originated when DeeOne publicly claimed and displayed “evidence” on a radio show (Naija FM). After that, user uploads and gossip channels repackaged the claim as “leaked videos.” I could not find a trustworthy mainstream outlet hosting the full alleged intimate video itself. Treat any “leaked clip” posts as unverified unless they show provenance (uploader, timestamp, original file metadata, or court evidence).
2) Timeline of VDM’s public relationships / girlfriends (what his posts & press say)
Short answer: VDM frequently posts with women and has been shown in videos with girlfriends; some profiles list a girlfriend named “Anna (Russian)” — but no verified marriage records or formal wedding announcements were found in reputable outlets. Most relationship evidence is from his social media posts and gossip/YouTube compilations.
Concrete items (chronological-ish, with evidence):
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VDM’s own Instagram/TikTok feeds show multiple posts/reels over time where he appears affectionate with women or in holiday/party shots — these are primary social evidence (his account: @verydarkblackman). Browse his reels and uploaded clips for dates and content. instagram.com+1
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YouTube / gossip channels have repeatedly posted videos titled along the lines of “Verydarkman Kiss His Girlfriend Live in Turkey” and “Verydarkman Mysterious Turkey Girlfriend Finally Found” (these are user uploads, some within the last year). They show him with a woman in Turkey and other public outings. These are not formal confirmations but do show an ongoing public relationship presence. YouTube+1
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Biopreneur and a few entertainment bios state “currently in a relationship with a Russian woman named Anna.” That phrasing suggests the claim is in his public profile, but those sites are secondary entertainment bios (not legal records). Biopreneur
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Social-media reaction posts (Facebook groups, fan pages) have posted the “face” of his mysterious girlfriend after VDM or friends revealed her in clips. Again, these are social confirmations, not legal ones. facebook.com+1
 
My assessment: VDM publicly dates / posts with women; entertainment bios and social clips point to a girlfriend (sometimes identified as Russian “Anna”) and show him with women in Turkey and elsewhere. There is no reliable evidence of a legal marriage or a publicly-filed marriage certificate in the sources I checked.
3) Dossier: arrests, charges, legal timeline (primary sources & reputable coverage)
Short answer: VDM has multiple public run-ins with law enforcement (cyberbullying / cyberstalking allegations, EFCC involvement). I list the main events below with dates and citations to reputable Nigerian outlets.
Key events (with sources):
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March 2024 — Arrested (cyberbullying / cyberstalking)
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Reports say he was arrested in March 2024 over allegations of making false claims against Nollywood stars (Tonto Dikeh, Iyabo Ojo) and remanded. The Guardian and other outlets summarized this initial arrest. The Guardian Nigeria
 
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May–June 2024 — Arraignment and bail
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He was arraigned on charges under the Cybercrime Act; a judge granted bail (reports say ₦10 million with sureties in June 2024). Coverage from Vanguard / NAN / Punch summarized bail terms and the court process. Vanguard News+1
 
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May 2025 — EFCC pick-up and re-arraignment (new proceedings)
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In early May 2025 VDM was reportedly picked up by EFCC operatives (news and social posts circulated about an EFCC ambush outside a GTBank branch). Vanguard and ThisDay ran stories describing the EFCC action and the police’s basis (complaints of harassment/possible cybercrime). Vanguard News+1
 
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May 15, 2025 — Police re-arraign VDM (five-count charge under Section 24 of Cybercrime Act)
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Multiple outlets (Premium Times, Punch, ThisDay, Lagos Television) reported a re-arraignment on May 15, 2025, with a trial adjourned to later dates (July 2025 in some reports). The charges allege publishing harmful/false content and cyberstalking/harassment between Oct 2023–Mar 2024. Lagos Television+3Premium Times Nigeria+3Punch Newspapers+3
 
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July 2025 — Court postponements and adjournments
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Coverage indicates trials were postponed/adjourned (reports vary; one PBN piece notes a July 24, 2025 adjournment to Dec 2, 2025). This shows the case is ongoing with multiple court dates. (If you want, I can pull the actual court filings or register entries next.) pointblanknews.com
 
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My assessment: the legal history is well documented in mainstream Nigerian press: initial arrest (2024) for alleged cyberbullying; bail; further action and re-arraignment in 2025; EFCC involvement reported. The charges are primarily under Sections of the Cybercrime Act (harassment/defamation/online intimidation). If you need, I can fetch the exact charge sheet text or court docket entry from the Federal High Court (if available online) — but those may require direct court-source access.