VeryDarkMan Denies Audio Allegations, Says “I Want to Face the Law”

Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has denied any connection to a controversial audio recording currently circulating online, describing it as “doctored” and falsely attributed to him . The activist has called on security agencies to investigate the source and circulation of the alleged fake audio, even as fresh investigations by Premium Times revealed that the manipulated video circulating online did not originate from VDM’s original post .

In a statement issued by his legal representatives, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, the activist’s management faulted comments reportedly made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, regarding the audio clip . The statement said a simple verification of VDM’s verified social media platforms would have shown that he neither produced nor shared the audio in question. “It is surprising that, despite the resources available to the Presidency, adverse comments were made concerning our client without proper verification of the facts,” the statement read .

According to the legal team, the development further reinforces the activist’s longstanding concerns about alleged attempts by influential individuals within government to discredit and silence him because of his outspoken stance on issues of public interest . The circulation of the audio, they argued, forms part of efforts aimed at damaging the public image of the social media personality. The lawyers called on relevant security agencies to investigate the origin and circulation of the alleged doctored audio and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. “We accordingly call on the relevant security agencies to investigate the source and circulation of the doctored audio and ensure that those responsible are identified and dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement added .

In a detailed investigation, Premium Times found that the viral clip circulating online was created after an unidentified individual extracted footage from VDM’s original Instagram video and inserted AI-generated voice notes resembling President Tinubu’s voice, creating the false impression that the activist shared the audio himself . The newspaper’s findings revealed that in the original footage, VDM was reacting to comments made by content creator and philanthropist Mitchell “King Mitchy” Mukoro, who had alleged that his necklace was a charm and claimed he had visited a shrine. While responding, VDM played an old campaign clip of Mr. Tinubu speaking about electricity and governance ahead of the 2023 presidential election .

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In the original campaign footage aired by TVC News, President Tinubu said Nigerians should not vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on his promises regarding electricity supply. “Whichever way, by all means necessary, you must have electricity, and you won’t pay for estimated bills anymore. A promise made will be a promise kept. If I don’t keep my promise and I run for a second term, don’t vote for me. That’s the truth,” Mr. Tinubu said in the original clip . Premium Times further found that an unidentified individual later extracted portions of the original VDM video and superimposed AI-generated voice notes resembling Mr. Tinubu’s voice before circulating the manipulated version online. The edited clip retained the opening portion of VDM’s original video before switching to the fabricated AI-generated audio, creating the impression that the activist had shared or endorsed the recordings himself. The manipulated clip subsequently circulated widely on social media and eventually prompted Mr. Onanuga to call for the activist’s prosecution .

The altered audio contained AI-generated voice notes falsely attributed to Mr. Tinubu, including claims that he deliberately allowed insecurity to persist in parts of the country for political reasons. The fabricated audio also falsely claimed that the president had asked former Anambra State governor Peter Obi to step down in his favour and threatened to worsen insecurity in the South-east . The audio, which bears the hallmarks of AI voice cloning, features a voice mimicking Tinubu making a series of damaging statements, including that insecurity in the South-East was deliberate, that he had called on Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to step down for him in 2022, that he was indifferent to the suffering of Nigerians, and that loans from the World Bank were being channelled to fund elections .

The dispute began when Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, took to his verified X handle @aonanuga1956 to accuse VDM of abusing social media by disseminating what he called false information capable of misleading the public and damaging the image of the president . “This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu. This is a clear case of an egregious abuse of the social media platform,” Onanuga said . Describing the voice note as manipulated, Onanuga warned that the spread of unverified material poses serious dangers to public trust, national security, and democratic stability. According to the presidential spokesman, those responsible for circulating such content should be held accountable under the law .

In a separate response posted on his social media platforms, VDM declared that he was ready for any legal action and would even return earlier than planned to face the matter . “I will not defend the allegations. If I respond, let God punish me. I want to face that law. I will even book a flight to come earlier than I planned. I want to see what you people can do,” he said . The social media critic maintained that he had a right to speak against the government when he believed it had done wrong. “If you are pained that VDM is speaking, what option do I have other than to speak? It is my right to criticise the government when it is doing wrong. We are in a democracy,” he stated .

In a strongly worded statement, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju slammed the presidency over what he described as its failure to properly verify the fake audio before making public comments . Adeyanju stated that the viral video is not on any social media platform of VDM and that the controversy would have been avoided if proper verification had been conducted. Adeyanju said the presidency’s threat further validates VDM’s longstanding concerns about attempts by powerful people in government to cage him . The statement read in part: “The attention of our client has been drawn to the statement made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, concerning a doctored audio currently circulating online and falsely attributed to our client, Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan. A simple verification of our client’s verified social media platforms would have confirmed that he neither made nor shared the said audio” .

The incident has since sparked conversations online about the dangers of AI-generated misinformation and the speed with which manipulated political content can spread across social media platforms . Several users on X questioned why the presidency moved quickly to call for the activist’s prosecution before independently verifying the authenticity and origin of the altered clip . The controversy highlights growing concerns about the increasing use of artificial intelligence tools to manipulate audio and video content featuring public officials, celebrities, and political figures. Although the AI-generated audio circulated widely online, checks by Premium Times showed that the voice notes were not part of VDM’s original upload and appeared to have been added later by another individual .

In a related development, the Coalition for Ethical Technology and Democratic Integrity recently called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently criminalise AI-generated blackmail, classifying it as a national security threat and a form of cyber-terrorism, warning that deepfakes and fake content could threaten the credibility of the 2027 elections . The Federal Government had earlier warned the public against a fake AI-generated advertisement using Tinubu’s image and video circulating on Facebook to solicit investments in a Ponzi scheme, with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria warning that violations would attract sanctions . Nigeria’s Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention) Act 2015, as amended in 2024, contains provisions that criminalise the production and distribution of false digital communications designed to cause harm or damage to a person’s reputation, with penalties including imprisonment .

As of the time of filing this report, Mr. Onanuga had not issued any clarification regarding the discovery that the manipulated audio did not originate from the activist’s original video . The legal team has urged authorities to take action against those involved in spreading what they described as misinformation, but directed at tracing the actual source of the doctored audio rather than targeting their client. The development has also reignited conversations around digital verification, misinformation and the responsibility of public officials to fact-check viral content before making public accusations or demands for prosecution . VDM, who is no stranger to controversy and previous legal battles, has maintained his innocence and continues to insist that the audio was falsely attributed to him as part of a coordinated effort to discredit his activism.

VeryDarkMan Denies Audio Allegations, Says “I Want to Face the Law”

Several Fighters Killed As NAF Air Strikes Destroy Terrorist Hideouts in Sambisa

BORNO STATE, NIGERIA – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has delivered a devastating blow to insurgent networks operating in Nigeria’s North-East region, conducting precision air strikes that destroyed key terrorist hideouts and logistics structures at Biramiri in the Gezuwa general area of Borno State.

The coordinated military operation, carried out on May 26, 2026, by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, followed credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) reports that pinpointed the exact locations of terrorist camps and support facilities within the notorious Sambisa Forest axis.

According to an official statement released on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the coordinated precision strikes successfully destroyed key terrorist facilities and neutralised several insurgents operating within the targeted area.

“The coordinated attacks destroyed key terrorist facilities and neutralised several fighters, further crippling the operational capacity of the insurgents,” Ejodame stated.

The NAF spokesperson further revealed that the sustained air offensives have continued to generate fear and confusion among terrorist elements operating across the Sambisa axis.

Sustained Bombardments Deny Terrorists Freedom of Movement – According to Ejodame, intelligence assessments indicate growing apprehension and disorientation within the ranks of the insurgents as continuous bombardments deny them freedom of movement and access to safe havens. The relentless aerial campaign has significantly disrupted the ability of terrorist networks to plan, coordinate, and execute attacks against civilian and military targets in the region.

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Military’s Commitment to North-East Peace – The NAF reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives and restoring lasting peace and security across Nigeria’s crisis-ridden North-East region. “The NAF, in concert with troops of Operation HADIN KAI and other security agencies, remains resolute in maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist networks while reinforcing its commitment to protecting innocent lives and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East,” the statement added.

Pre-Sallah Offensive Intensifies – The latest air strikes form part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to intensify counter-terrorism operations in the North-East region ahead of the Sallah celebration, ensuring that insurgent groups remain on the back foot during the festive period. Military analysts note that such timing is strategic, as terrorist groups often attempt to launch high-profile attacks during major holidays to maximize psychological impact.

Strategic Significance of Sambisa Forest – Sambisa Forest has long served as a notorious hideout for insurgent groups operating in North-East Nigeria, providing dense cover for terrorist activities and serving as a critical logistics and command hub. The forest has also recently witnessed internal power struggles, with reports indicating violent clashes between rival factions Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) for supremacy and control of territory within the forest.

According to security intelligence sources, the latest air strikes mark a significant blow to these networks, further restricting their operational capabilities and denying them critical infrastructure. The successful operation demonstrates the Nigerian military’s enhanced intelligence-gathering capabilities and precision-strike proficiency, as well as its determination to flush out insurgents from their remaining strongholds.

Impact on Terrorist Operations – Intelligence assessments suggest that the continuous aerial bombardments have created a state of disarray within insurgent ranks. The destruction of logistics structures at Biramiri has disrupted supply chains, making it increasingly difficult for terrorist fighters to access weapons, food, and medical supplies. This degradation of operational capacity is expected to reduce the frequency and intensity of insurgent attacks in the coming weeks.

Several Fighters Killed As NAF Air Strikes Destroy Terrorist Hideouts in Sambisa

Hajj 2026: Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Join 1,600 Lagos Pilgrims in Arafah Prayer 

LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a heartfelt display of leadership and spiritual solidarity, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, joined the 1,600 Lagos pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a solemn prayer session on the plains of Mount Arafah on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 — the most critical day of the annual Islamic pilgrimage. The Governor and his Deputy made separate video calls to the state’s pilgrims as they gathered at the sacred site, marking the spiritual climax of Hajj 2026. The Day of Arafah, observed on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, is when pilgrims seek divine mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who initiated the first video call, congratulated the pilgrims on successfully reaching Mount Arafah and prayed for a rewarding and accepted Hajj. He also offered prayers for their safe return to Nigeria after the completion of all religious rites. “May Allah accept your prayers and grant you all a safe journey back home,” the Governor was quoted as saying during the call. Dr. Hamzat, in his own video address, prayed for the pilgrims and urged them not to take the privilege of performing Hajj for granted. He described the pilgrimage as a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual opportunity that must be guarded jealously. “This is a rare blessing. Use it wisely to pray for yourselves, your families, and the peace of Lagos State and Nigeria,” Hamzat told the pilgrims.

Pilgrims Pray for Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Victory, Tinubu Re-Election – In a touching show of reciprocity, the Lagos pilgrims expressed deep appreciation for the video calls. They offered prayers for the continued success of the Sanwo-Olu administration, for Dr. Hamzat’s anticipated victory as the incoming Governor of Lagos State, and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections. The pilgrims, many of whom were moved to tears by the gesture, described the calls as unprecedented and a clear demonstration of a leadership that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens even in the Holy Land.

Governor’s Gift: 200 Saudi Riyals for Each Pilgrim – In a related development that further underscored the state government’s commitment, the Lagos State Government gifted each of the 1,600 pilgrims 200 Saudi Riyals (approximately N70,000). This was disclosed on Saturday by the Amir-ul-Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, during a pre-Mina-Arafah special prayer session organized by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in Makkah. Hon. Layode informed the pilgrims that, apart from paying for their Hady (sacrificial ram) and Ziyarah (visitation to historical sites in both Madinah and Makkah), the monetary gift from the Governor and his deputy would cover the refund for Ihram clothing and provide a stipend for the Arafah Day observance. “The Governor ensured the money was released and brought to the Kingdom. This is proof of his love and commitment to your comfort and well-being,” Layode stated.

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Officials Praise Pilgrims’ Good Conduct – Speaking on the overall conduct of the state’s contingent, Amir-ul-Hajj Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat for connecting with the pilgrims virtually, stressing that the gesture showed their compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the 1,600 Lagos pilgrims. Layode also commended the pilgrims for their exemplary good conduct throughout the Hajj operations so far. Layode further confirmed the return schedule for the pilgrims. According to him, the airlifting of Lagos pilgrims back to Nigeria will begin on June 6, 2026, in strict compliance with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) timetable. He assured that all 1,600 pilgrims would be airlifted within one week, with no pilgrim left behind.

Saudi Authorities Commended for Improved Facilities – The Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, praised the Lagos pilgrims for being orderly, law-abiding, and maintaining the high standards expected of them. He also thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat for finding time to call and pray for the pilgrims, noting that the gesture had significantly boosted their morale. Dr. Jebe also commended the Saudi Arabian authorities for notable improvements at the Arafah camps this year. He highlighted the provision of more functional air conditioners, additional toilet facilities, and adequate water supply as key upgrades that made the pilgrims’ stay more comfortable despite the intense heat.

Hajj Operation Seamless, Says Board Secretary – On his part, the Board Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, appreciated the State Government for making the entire Hajj operation seamless and convenient for the pilgrims. He listed several programmes put in place by the government to ensure a stress-free exercise, including free medical screening for all pilgrims before departure, inoculation against infectious diseases, payment for Ihram clothing, payment for Hady ram (sacrificial animal), visa processing, and other logistical arrangements. Mr. Ajomagberin added a strong endorsement for the state’s Hajj services, saying: “For us in Lagos State, we are very proud of the Governor and the Deputy. We are encouraging those who want to perform the 2027 Hajj to patronise Lagos, because we have the expertise and the record is there for everyone to see.”

Key Takeaways from the 2026 Lagos Hajj Operation – The Lagos State Government’s comprehensive support for the 1,600 pilgrims included full coverage of Hady ram, Ihram clothing, visa processing, and medical screenings. The pilgrims observed the spiritual climax of Hajj at Mount Arafah on May 26, 2026, and are scheduled to return to Nigeria beginning June 6, 2026. Each pilgrim also received a cash gift of 200 Saudi Riyals (approximately N70,000). Facility upgrades at the Arafah camps, including improved air conditioning, additional toilets, and adequate water supply, were also noted by state officials.

Hajj 2026: Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Join 1,600 Lagos Pilgrims in Arafah Prayer