VeryDarkMan Responds to Igbo Businessman’s Accusation of Exposing Trade Secrets in China

Popular Nigerian social media influencer, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has responded to allegations that his recent business trip to China was harming the interests of Igbo traders.

The controversy began after an Igbo businessman, Tochukwu Harrison Mmaduboallor, accused VDM of revealing confidential trade information that many Igbo entrepreneurs depend on to sustain their businesses in China.

In response, VDM shared a video explaining that his trip was purely aimed at connecting Nigerian and African buyers directly with Chinese manufacturers to encourage open trade and business growth. He emphasized that he never mentioned any tribe in his videos and that his mission was to empower and inspire others, not to damage anyone’s business.

“It’s very selfish. It just made me realize Nigerians don’t truly want Nigeria to grow. This is the same mentality that has kept us from progressing,” he said in a video addressing the criticism.

Clarifying further, he added, “I’m only opening people’s eyes to opportunities. I don’t intend to spoil anyone’s hustle — the sky is too big for everyone to fly.”

Meanwhile, Tochukwu maintained that VDM’s actions violated a long-standing business principle among traders, arguing that true businessmen protect their supply chains. “Real businessmen don’t introduce their suppliers to their customers,” he said in a viral video that drew widespread reactions online.

VDM concluded by stressing that his goal is to move beyond social media activism and create real-world business impact. In the caption of his post, he wrote, “Nigeria’s problem isn’t just the government; the mindset of the average man still lacks unity.”

His statement has since stirred conversations across social media, with many Nigerians divided over whether his efforts were helpful transparency or a breach of business ethics.