VeryDarkMan Blasts Arise TV’s Reuben Abati Over Remarks on Human Trafficking dvocacy

Controversial activist and social media commentator, Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has fired back at Arise News anchor Dr. Reuben Abati over comments made during a recent broadcast that appeared to trivialize VDM’s efforts to raise awareness about human trafficking.

During a segment on The Morning Show, Abati drew a comparison between VDM and controversial singer Portable (Habeeb Okikiola), likening VDM’s advocacy style to the musician’s online antics. He stated, “About VeryDarkMan, Martin Otse, I appreciate his enthusiasm. It’s almost like Portable getting excited over many things.”

In response, VDM released a scathing video, accusing the veteran journalist of downplaying a serious humanitarian effort and lacking the moral authority to speak on integrity-related issues.

“Dr. Reuben Abati, the fact that you think you have the moral ground to water down my efforts to expose trafficking by comparing me to Portable is laughable,” VDM said.

He went on to reference Abati’s 2016 questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the alleged $2.1 billion arms deal scandal under the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Displaying an old photo of Abati reportedly in EFCC custody, VDM said, “Is this not you in EFCC cell? Why were you arrested? Let’s not forget.”

Citing media reports, VDM reminded viewers that Abati was invited by the EFCC over alleged involvement in the diversion of funds meant for national security. “No matter how much you try to discredit me, EFCC can never pick me for fraud. Not even Portable, who you compared me to, has faced fraud allegations,” he stated.

VDM also accused Abati of displaying ethnic bias, referencing a 2022 incident involving NiDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who referred to a critic online as an “Ode” (a Yoruba word meaning “fool”). Abati had reportedly defended her comments on-air.

“You defended that tribal insult in 2022. That’s why I’m responding now. I don’t know how you even got the ‘Dr.’ in your name,” VDM said mockingly.

Playing a clip from that broadcast, VDM highlighted Abati’s defense of Dabiri-Erewa’s conduct, where he argued that her reaction was justified due to the abusive nature of social media commentary.

In closing, the activist challenged Abati to a direct conversation: “If you want to talk about me, invite me to your station and let’s talk about what you allegedly did with the money. Don’t sit there and run your mouth. Reuben Abathief — sorry, Abati — keep kissing ass.”

The video has since gone viral, sparking a wave of online discourse about the limits of media commentary, freedom of expression, and accountability for public figures.