Social media was set ablaze after controversial activist and online commentator, VeryDarkMan, dropped a bombshell that has left Nigerians buzzing with mixed emotions. In a recent live video, the outspoken influencer claimed that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, might remain in prison for the next 20 years. According to him, certain individuals, including himself, are aware of privileged information concerning Kanu’s case but have chosen to remain silent for reasons best known to them. His statement, though brief, has sparked outrage, confusion, and debate across social media platforms.
In his usual blunt tone, VeryDarkMan, whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse, declared, “Nnamdi Kanu will most likely spend another 20 years in prison. Some of us are privileged to some information, we just don’t talk, even though we know.” The statement, made with such confidence and conviction, sent shockwaves through his audience, with many taking to the comments section to express disbelief and anger. Some accused him of being insensitive to the plight of Kanu and his followers, while others questioned the authenticity of his claim and what exactly he meant by being “privileged to some information.”
Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since his re-arrest in 2021 after being forcefully brought back to Nigeria from Kenya, remains a highly controversial figure in the country’s political landscape. He faces multiple charges, including treasonable felony, stemming from his activities as leader of IPOB — a group that has repeatedly called for the secession of the southeastern region of Nigeria to form the independent state of Biafra. Despite numerous court orders granting him bail or calling for his release, the Federal Government has consistently maintained that Kanu’s release poses a threat to national security. His detention has been a major source of tension between the Nigerian government and the southeastern population, many of whom see Kanu as a freedom fighter being unfairly targeted for championing the cause of his people.
VeryDarkMan’s comment has therefore reignited one of Nigeria’s most heated debates — whether justice is truly being served in Kanu’s case or whether he is being politically silenced. The influencer, who has built his brand around exposing corruption, hypocrisy, and injustice, did not provide any details to back up his claim, leaving the public to speculate on what kind of “privileged information” he could possibly have. Was he hinting at a hidden political agenda? Or was it another one of his shock-value statements designed to stir public attention?
His statement comes at a time when calls for Kanu’s release have been intensifying once again. Just a few weeks ago, several southeastern governors, traditional rulers, and members of the National Assembly appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider a political solution to Kanu’s case. There have also been growing fears that the continuous detention of the IPOB leader could further fuel unrest and deepen the feeling of marginalization among the Igbo people. The suggestion that he might spend another two decades behind bars has, therefore, struck a nerve in the already volatile political climate.
In the comment sections across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, Nigerians have been divided over VeryDarkMan’s revelation. Some accused him of deliberately trying to provoke tension, while others claimed he was only saying what many insiders already know but are afraid to admit publicly. One user wrote, “This man just likes to talk too much. How can you say 20 years? Are you in the judiciary?” Another user countered, “He’s saying the truth. They already know Kanu is not coming out soon. The system has already decided his fate.”
The question on many lips, however, is how and why a social media commentator like VeryDarkMan would have access to “privileged” information about such a sensitive national issue. The influencer, known for his connections within political and entertainment circles, has in the past hinted that he has contacts in high places who feed him inside information about the country’s power dynamics. However, his credibility has often been called into question, especially when his controversial statements are not backed by evidence. Still, his massive following and fearless personality often ensure that whatever he says becomes a trending topic within hours.
For many Nigerians, the comment was not just shocking — it was disheartening. Supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, many of whom have been organizing protests and campaigns for his release, saw VeryDarkMan’s statement as a deliberate attempt to demoralize them. “They want to break our spirit,” one pro-Biafra activist wrote online. “But no matter how long they keep him, the struggle for Biafra will not die.” Another wrote, “VeryDarkMan is only echoing what the government has already decided. They have no intention of freeing Nnamdi Kanu. They fear his influence.”
Political observers, on the other hand, argue that the influencer’s statement might not be entirely baseless. Some believe that the Nigerian government could indeed keep Kanu detained for as long as possible to weaken the Biafran movement, which has lost much of its momentum since Kanu’s arrest. Others, however, believe that his continued detention without a clear resolution risks turning him into a martyr and could eventually backfire politically.
The government has not officially responded to VeryDarkMan’s claims, but sources within the Federal Ministry of Justice maintain that Kanu’s case remains under judicial consideration and will be decided according to due process. Nonetheless, the influencer’s viral remark has once again exposed the deep distrust many Nigerians have in the country’s justice system, where political cases often drag on for years without closure.
Interestingly, this is not the first time VeryDarkMan has waded into political controversies. Known for his no-filter opinions, he has previously taken on powerful figures, celebrities, and even religious leaders. His brand of social activism — often raw, unfiltered, and emotionally charged — has earned him both loyal fans and bitter enemies. However, this latest statement may have crossed a line for many, as it touches on a highly sensitive national issue with deep emotional and political implications.
Whether his statement was based on insider knowledge or mere speculation, one thing is clear: he has once again succeeded in stirring the national conversation. Within hours of posting the clip, hashtags like #NnamdiKanu, #VeryDarkMan, and #FreeKanuNow began trending on X, with thousands of Nigerians dissecting every word of his claim. For a man who thrives on controversy, this was another viral moment — but for millions of Nigerians, especially those from the southeast, it was a painful reminder of a case that has dragged on for too long without justice.
As the dust settles, many are calling on VeryDarkMan to either substantiate his claim or refrain from making statements that could heighten political tension. Meanwhile, Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team continues to push for his release, arguing that his prolonged detention violates both local and international human rights laws. Whether or not he truly spends “another 20 years in prison,” as the influencer claimed, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — the fight for his freedom and the debate over his fate are far from over.
At the end of the day, Nigerians are once again left with more questions than answers. Is VeryDarkMan simply stirring the pot, or does he know something the public doesn’t? Only time will tell. But until then, the nation continues to watch, argue, and wait — as one of its most divisive and symbolic figures remains behind bars, caught between the law, politics, and the power of public opinion.
“Nnamdi kalu will most likely spend another 20 years in pr!son, some of us are privileged to some information, we just don’t talk, even though we know” - VeryDarkMan 🙆🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/ygrOsotLZs
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) October 24, 2025