Date: April 16, 2026 l Reporter: Emily John
Nigerian social media influencer VeryDarkMan has come under scrutiny after allegedly circulating a misleading claim that activist Omoyele Sowore made disparaging remarks about him in a WhatsApp group, a claim that has since been disputed and widely challenged.
The controversy began when VeryDarkMan shared what he described as evidence of comments made by Sowore in a private WhatsApp group, portraying them as direct attacks against him. However, subsequent findings indicated that the attribution was inaccurate, with no verifiable proof linking the statements to Sowore.
Sowore, a prominent activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, denied making the alleged comments and rejected the claims outright, further intensifying the dispute between both figures. The situation quickly escalated across social media platforms, drawing reactions from supporters and critics on both sides.
The incident is the latest in a series of public exchanges involving VeryDarkMan, known for his outspoken online activism and controversial content. Observers note that the spread of unverified claims through social media channels continues to raise concerns about misinformation and its impact on public discourse.
Analysts say the case highlights the growing influence of digital personalities in shaping narratives, particularly when claims—whether verified or not—are rapidly amplified across platforms like WhatsApp and other social media networks. The lack of clear verification mechanisms in private messaging spaces has further complicated efforts to trace the origin and authenticity of such information.
While the dispute remains largely confined to online exchanges, it underscores broader concerns about accountability, credibility, and the role of influencers in disseminating sensitive or potentially misleading information in Nigeria’s digital space.