Controversy Surrounds Mohbad's Death: VDM Alleges Blackmail and Arrest in Justice Movement
Lagos, Nigeria
The death of Nigerian musician Mohbad in September 2023 continues to generate controversy, with recent revelations from activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), shedding light on alleged behind-the-scenes maneuvers within the justice movement. Mohbad's untimely passing at the age of 27 sparked widespread outrage and a social movement demanding accountability. However, new details suggest a complex web of intrigue involving prominent figures and digital platforms.
According to VDM, two WhatsApp groups were formed shortly after Mohbad's death, comprising individuals such as actress Tonto Dikeh, socialite Iyabo Ojo, and Davido's media aide Dre, among others. These groups, VDM claims, were instrumental in shaping the narrative around Mohbad's demise. The activist asserts that his call for a DNA test to confirm the paternity of Mohbad's son, Liam, was met with fierce opposition, leading to what he describes as a targeted campaign against him.
VDM alleges that Dre, in particular, played a pivotal role in this campaign, orchestrating the leak of compromising material to the blog Gistlover and influencing his arrest in late 2023. "They planned to silence me because I asked the right questions," VDM stated in a recent video, sharing screenshots of group chats that reportedly discuss strategies to discredit and detain him. One chilling message from Dre, dated September 27, 2023, reads, "Let us do our part and they will pick him up," alluding to VDM's eventual incarceration.
The controversy extends beyond VDM's personal ordeal. Iyabo Ojo, a vocal advocate for Mohbad's justice, has faced her own battles, including a fire at her Lagos office and public demonstrations accusing her of derailing the movement. Ojo has denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing her emotional response to the tragedy rather than direct accusations against any party. "I never accused anyone of being responsible for Mohbad’s death," she clarified in a statement, amidst threats and legal petitions filed against her for cyberbullying.
The situation has also drawn in other notable figures, with group chats revealing discussions about perceived sponsors of dissenting voices like Kemi Olunloyo and Reno Omokri, suggesting a broader conspiracy. Jigan, another group member, reportedly attributed this sponsorship to the Nigerian government, adding a political dimension to the fray.
As of July 25, 2025, the Lagos Police Command continues its investigation into Mohbad's death, with no conclusive findings released to the public. The involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the exhumation of Mohbad's body in 2023 underscore the gravity of the case. However, the allegations of internal conflict and manipulation within the justice movement raise questions about the integrity of the pursuit for truth.
VDM has vowed to release more evidence, promising further exposure of the chats and dynamics within these groups. "There are more chats to expose, and I will expose them," he declared, indicating that the saga is far from over.
The case of Mohbad's death, initially a tragedy, has evolved into a narrative of power, influence, and the dark underbelly of social media activism in Nigeria. As the nation watches, the quest for justice remains entangled in a web of personal vendettas and strategic silences, challenging the very notion of accountability in the digital age.
