Controversial social activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has admitted that his earlier claims about ₦180 million being stolen from his NGO account were false.
In a video shared on social media, VDM revealed that the stunt was intentional, aimed at exposing what he described as the gullibility of social media users. 
According to him, the funds remain intact, and the entire story was fabricated to test how quickly people believe negative news.
“80% of the people that use social media are dumb… I deliberately did it to just show you people that you are stupid. No money is missing; my money is secured, he stated.
However, VDM’s confession has triggered widespread criticism, with many condemning his actions as deceptive and irresponsible.
Critics argue that such antics, especially involving large sums of money and public trust, undermine the credibility of genuine causes and activists.
While defending his decision, VDM explained, “I told my website guy, ‘Shut the website; let us use this people-catch cruise. Nobody bothered to ask for evidence. They just went with what is being said.”
Meanwhile, the incident has left questions about accountability and ethics in online activism.
