“Son of a Nobody”: VeryDarkMan Fires Back at Falana, Defends NBA Conference Invite

Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) , has launched a blistering counter-attack against human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, over criticism of his invitation to speak at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference. VDM accused Falana and other critics of “classism,” arguing that his background as the “son of a nobody” is the real reason his participation at the elite legal gathering drew backlash.

The controversy erupted after Falana, in an interview with Channels Television, questioned the NBA‘s decision to invite VDM as a panelist for a session on insecurity at its 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt. Falana stated that past NBA conferences were not “circus shows” and that discussions on national security should feature individuals with demonstrable professional experience in the country’s security architecture. “Why would you just go and bring somebody from nowhere to come and entertain you? There are problems with that,” Falana remarked, arguing that the conference should return to its intellectual tradition.

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In a video posted on Friday, VDM expressed deep disappointment with Falana’s comments but stated they revealed the true reason behind the opposition to his invitation. “The problem these people have is that the son of a nobody was invited to come and speak where elites are seated,” VDM said. He described the criticism as a clear manifestation of “classism” from a section of the legal elite who are uncomfortable with his social status.

Countering Falana’s argument on expertise, VDM insisted that his firsthand experiences with insecurity in Nigeria are a valid qualification. “This is not about book. It’s about experience,” he said. “I have seen things that a lot of security experts have not seen.” The activist further maintained that security is a universal concern and should not be treated as an exclusive topic for professionals. He stated that his presence at the conference was to give a voice to ordinary Nigerians who are often voiceless in such elite conversations. “I spoke on behalf of the poor masses. I spoke on behalf of the people that don’t have a voice,” VDM said.

VDM had appeared as a panelist at the NBA conference on Tuesday in a session titled “Known Gunmen or Unknown Gunmen.” During the session, he alleged that some police officers at checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and pass information to kidnappers, facilitating abductions. The Nigeria Police Force has since invited VDM to substantiate his claims with evidence. VDM concluded by admitting he hadn’t anticipated Falana’s stance, saying, “I wasn’t expecting this angle from Femi Falana SAN, but well, it is what it is.”

“Son of a Nobody”: VeryDarkMan Fires Back at Falana, Defends NBA Conference Invite

EFCC extradites two Nigerians to US over alleged sextortion linked to teen deaths

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has facilitated the extradition of two Nigerian men to the United States to face prosecution over alleged online sextortion and child sexual exploitation linked to the deaths of two American teenagers.

The suspects, identified as Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle, were extradited on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, following separate investigations conducted in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The EFCC disclosed this in a statement on Friday, explaining that the two men were identified during separate FBI investigations into alleged sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17.

According to the commission, the alleged schemes involved obtaining or using Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) to threaten and extort victims for money. The alleged perpetrators reportedly demanded payments through money remittance services, gift cards and cryptocurrency.

The FBI linked the investigations involving the two Nigerian suspects to separate cases in which American teenagers died by suicide after allegedly being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.

One of the cases involved a 13-year-old boy who reportedly received a direct message on Instagram from an individual seeking an exchange of nude photographs.

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After the photographs were allegedly obtained, the individual reportedly threatened to send them to the teenager’s Instagram contacts unless money was paid.

The EFCC said communications between the individual and the minor continued even after the teenager indicated that he intended to take his own life.

Following intelligence provided by the FBI, the EFCC said it conducted investigations that led to the identification and arrest of Adekunle.

In a separate case involving Olawale, US authorities sought his extradition over a seven-count charge relating to the alleged sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, attempted sexual exploitation, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, interstate threatening communications, and the alleged distribution and attempted distribution of child sexual abuse material.

The EFCC subsequently commenced extradition proceedings against Olawale at the Federal High Court in Lagos, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024, before Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa.

The Federal High Court initially rejected the extradition application on June 10, 2024. The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation subsequently appealed the decision.

The case was eventually determined by the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, which on July 7, 2026, in Appeal No. CA/LAG/CV/721/2024, set aside the Federal High Court’s decision and cleared the way for Olawale’s extradition to the United States.

Following the appellate court’s decision, the EFCC completed the extradition process, leading to the transfer of Olawale and Adekunle to US authorities on August 26.

The commission said the development demonstrates the continued cooperation between the EFCC and FBI in investigating and prosecuting transnational financial and cyber-enabled crimes, particularly cases involving the exploitation of minors.

The case also highlights concerns over the growing use of social media and digital platforms in online sextortion, where offenders allegedly obtain intimate images or other sensitive material and then threaten victims with exposure in an attempt to obtain money or force further compliance.

The suspects are expected to face prosecution in the United States over the allegations. The extradition and charges do not constitute a conviction, and the allegations against both men remain subject to determination by the US courts.

EFCC extradites two Nigerians to US over alleged sextortion linked to teen deaths

Bauchi Police Arrest Stepfather for Alleged Defilement of 8-Month-Old Baby

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Balarabe Adamu over the alleged sexual abuse of his eight-month-old stepdaughter in Toro Local Government Area of the state.

The incident was reportedly reported on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at about 5:34 pm. According to a statement issued late Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Adamu, who resides in Lame, Toro LGA, allegedly defiled the infant after the child was brought to his residence by his wife. The baby was subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Toro, for medical examination and treatment, the police said.

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Following the report, operatives of the Gumau Police Division visited the scene and arrested the suspect. The police said Adamu remains in custody while investigation into the alleged offence continues. The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged abuse and assured that the command would ensure justice for the victim. Aliyu directed that the case be thoroughly investigated and that the suspect be charged to court upon completion of the investigation in accordance with the law.

The mother of the baby has reportedly appealed to authorities to ensure justice is served, expressing shock and distress over the incident. The command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on sexual violence and child abuse, urging parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving children to the police. The police said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

Bauchi Police Arrest Stepfather for Alleged Defilement of 8-Month-Old Baby