Nigerian Activist VeryDarkMan Loses NGO Website and N180 Million to Hackers
Nigerian social commentator and online critic Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has reportedly suffered a significant setback after losing his NGO website and a staggering N180 million to cybercriminals.
A few months ago, VeryDarkMan launched a non-governmental organization (NGO) aimed at funding projects to improve society. The initiative quickly gained traction, attracting generous donations from Nigerians and public figures. Notably, renowned music producer Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, contributed an impressive N100 million to support the cause.
However, the festive season took a grim turn when, on December 27, 2024, VDM announced via his Instagram page that the NGO’s website had been hacked, resulting in the theft of N180 million. The shocking revelation has sparked widespread concern among his followers and supporters.
Ongoing Investigation
In a video update, VeryDarkMan revealed that he is actively pursuing justice. Accompanied by a police officer identified as Officer Joe, he is traveling to Jos as part of the investigation. VDM shared that one of the suspected hackers has been apprehended, and the authorities have successfully recovered N20 million of the stolen funds.
Detailing the progress, he stated:
“For the past few days, I have not been myself. I am here with Officer Joe, and we are going to Jos. The NGO money was hacked; N180 million is missing. Thank God we tracked the person, and one suspect has been arrested. An account linked to the incident has been placed on PND (Post No Debit), and it currently holds N20 million. Unfortunately, N160 million was diverted to another account.”
VeryDarkMan expressed cautious optimism, adding that efforts are underway to retrieve the remaining funds. In response to the breach, he temporarily shut down the NGO’s app and website for maintenance to prevent further exposure.
Public Reactions and Lessons
The incident has drawn mixed reactions online, with many sympathizing with the activist while others question the security measures surrounding the NGO’s operations. Cybersecurity experts have weighed in, emphasizing the need for robust safeguards, especially for platforms handling substantial donations.
VeryDarkMan’s transparency in addressing the situation has earned him praise, but the episode serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria. As the investigation unfolds, supporters remain hopeful for the recovery of the funds and a swift resolution to the case.
This development underscores the importance of digital security for charitable organizations and highlights the challenges faced by social initiatives in the digital age.
