19/08/2026
KADUNA ACTOR SHEHU ZOCK SOCK APPLAUDS VERYDARKBLACKMAN, SAYS HE DESERVES HIS FLOWERS
Kaduna-based actor Shehu Zock, has commended social activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, VDM, for his contributions to accountability and social justice in Nigeria, despite acknowledging flaws in his approach.
In a post released on his page today, Zock admitted that VDM’s style can be "excessive and at times childish" but argued that the activist’s impact far outweighs the criticisms.
"Sometimes VDM tires me. The way he handles things, some of what he says... it's a lot. And this is coming from someone who genuinely admires him", Zock stated.
"But when you sit down to list what you don't like about someone, you run out fast. Meanwhile the good stuff just keeps coming. We shout so loud about the irritation that we bury the mountain of good".
Zock listed 7 key areas where he believes VDM deserves recognition:
1. Crackdown on Online Scammers: Noting that online fraud has "almost completely dropped" due to VDM’s exposures, creating fear among fake dealers.
2. Celebrity Accountability: Stating that celebrities now "think twice before promoting shady businesses" to avoid VDM’s scrutiny.
3. Ending Toxic Clout Culture: Declaring the "Bobrisky/James Brown/transgender/crossdressing psycho clout chasing cycle" as "practically dead".
4. Filling Governance Gaps: Highlighting VDM’s direct intervention in providing boreholes, water, and community security in areas abandoned by government.
5. Corporate Accountability: Citing how VDM "forced Dangote to answer for the truck issue", proving that "one man, one platform" can hold a massive corporation to account.
6. Exposing Injustice: Referencing the case of a man allegedly detained for years over a false murder accusation involving the IG of Police. "Without VDM, would we even know? An apology isn't enough. There should be real compensation for what that man lost".
7. Youth Empowerment: Praising VDM for creating "real opportunities for young people — jobs, visibility, support", which politicians only promise.
Zock concluded that while he will continue to call out VDM when he is wrong, he would "never trade this VDM for the silence we had before".
"So VDM, thank you. We appreciate you", he added.
