Benin City, Edo State — A shocking new allegation has turned the already controversial case involving activist Harrison Gwamnishu into a potential criminal conspiracy. According to online reports, a man whose identity remains unknown has publicly accused social media influencer and critic Verydarkman (real name Martins Vincent Otse) of orchestrating the abduction of a couple in order to frame Gwamnishu for ransom theft.
The accusation, made in a viral video, claims that Verydarkman and members of a group referred to as ‘ratel’ planned the kidnapping of a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Segiru, who were abducted from their home in Aviele near Auchi on November 22. The man further alleged that the police officer who arrested Harrison Gwamnishu is a member of the same "cult group" as Verydarkman.
The Core of the Accusation: A Set-Up for Public Shaming
This explosive claim presents a dramatic motive for the kidnapping, suggesting it was not a random act of banditry but a calculated scheme. According to the anonymous accuser, the plot was designed to lure human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu into a ransom negotiation and then publicly expose him for allegedly withholding a portion of the funds.
The controversy began when Verydarkman used his significant social media platform to announce that he had pushed for and secured Gwamnishu’s arrest. He stated the arrest was due to allegations that Gwamnishu diverted ₦5.4 million from a crowdfunded ransom meant for the couple. Verydarkman dismissed Gwamnishu's public defense as a "manipulative video" and stated that the activist had refunded the money to the police.
The online furore that followed initially centered on whether Gwamnishu, known for his risky bush operations to rescue victims, was a hero or a fraud. This new accusation turns the tables, painting Verydarkman not as a public whistleblower but as the mastermind of the crime he was exposing.
Two Activist Titans: Clashing Personalities and Methods
The backdrop to this feud is a clash between two of Nigeria’s most prominent online activists, each with a controversial public persona.
* Harrison Gwamnishu: A self-styled security mediator who runs the Safe City Volunteer Foundation. He is known for his dramatic, on-the-ground approach, often posting videos of himself and vigilantes combing forests for kidnappers. His method, according to his lawyer, involves inserting tracking devices into prototype currency used in ransom drops, a technique that has now placed him at the center of a financial dispute.
* Verydarkman (Martins Vincent Otse): A social media influencer and critic who rose to fame through viral commentary and has been described as a "controversial figure" notable for his condemnation of injustice and corruption. He has a history of high-profile confrontations and arrests related to his online activities, including charges of cyberbullying and defamation. He positions himself as a digital watchdog holding public figures accountable.
Public reaction on social media is deeply divided. Some support Verydarkman’s push for accountability, while others believe Gwamnishu is being set up. One user questioned, “How can kidnappers quickly noticed that the money no complete easily to the extent of arguing with them?” hinting at possible insider knowledge. Another defender of Gwamnishu posted, “Harrison is a hero… I see all this as a set up”.
As of now, the Edo State Police Command has not issued a detailed statement addressing the multiple, conflicting claims, including the serious new allegation of a staged kidnapping. The husband of the abducted couple remains in captivity, with the focus of the public and authorities dangerously split between a rescue operation and a spiraling scandal.
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