Social media commentator Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), announced that his NGO’s account suffered a significant financial breach.
In an Instagram video posted on December 27, 2024, Otse disclosed that ₦180 million was illicitly transferred, leaving only ₦20 million remaining.
Otse explained that the breach occurred through the NGO’s website, stating, “Somebody hacked into the NGO website, and ₦180 million is missing.” He further mentioned that law enforcement had apprehended a suspect linked to the incident and that the account had been placed on Post No Debit (PND) status to prevent further unauthorized transactions.
The Martins Vincent Otse Initiative, launched in October 2024, quickly garnered substantial support, including a notable ₦100 million donation from music producer Don Jazzy.
The reported theft has led to public skepticism, with critics questioning the plausibility of such a large sum being transferred without detection. Some have expressed doubts about the credibility of the explanation, suggesting that it lacks transparency.
In response to the incident, Otse temporarily shut down the NGO’s app for maintenance to prevent further breaches and assured supporters that efforts are underway to recover the funds. He also indicated that he is collaborating with law enforcement to address the situation.
This situation has sparked a broader discussion about cybersecurity measures for NGOs and the importance of transparency in handling donor funds. As investigations continue, stakeholders emphasize the need for robust security protocols to protect against such incidents.
