NCSCN blames VDM for Seyi Tinubu donation row
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has blamed social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), for escalating the controversy surrounding humanitarian donations made by
- …demands apology over ‘toxic’ content
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has blamed social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), for escalating the controversy surrounding humanitarian donations made by Seyi Tinubu, son of the President, to content creator Mitchelle Mukoro, also known as King Mitchy.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Executive Director of NCSCN, Blessing Akinlosotu, described the development as “deeply regrettable” and warned that the tone and direction of the online exchanges were setting a dangerous precedent for social media engagement in Nigeria.
The controversy erupted after King Mitchy disclosed that her humanitarian and charitable activities had received financial backing running into millions of naira from Seyi Tinubu.
VDM subsequently criticised the donation and allegedly used strong language while questioning the motives behind the support.
But the NCSCN said its independent findings showed that VDM was responsible for taking the matter beyond a personal disagreement and dragging the President’s son into the dispute.
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“In our collective opinion, the Very Dark Man completely erred in dragging Seyi Tinubu’s name into the matter as he did.
“He was the one initiating the crisis here, for reasons best known to him,” it said.
The Council stressed that financial support to non-governmental organisations and humanitarian actors is a common and globally accepted practice, insisting that the issue should not have been politicised.
“As a non-partisan special interest group, the Council finds no fault in financial donations made by anyone, whether governmental or non-governmental, to King Mitchy or Very Dark Man,” the statement read.
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It noted that several well-meaning Nigerians, including prominent entertainment figures such as Don Jazzy, have publicly supported charitable initiatives without attracting similar backlash.
“Why the undue emphasis on Seyi Tinubu? What is wrong in a businessman or son of a President supporting a humanitarian cause?” the Council queried.
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The group further warned that sustained public attacks on donors could discourage philanthropy, particularly among young Nigerians willing to invest in social causes.
Beyond the political undertone, the Council expressed grave concern over viral videos allegedly showing King Mitchy consuming a poisonous substance and VDM responding with a similar display.
Describing the trend as “anti-social and harmful,” the NCSCN said such content promotes dangerous behaviour and exposes teenagers and minors to harmful influences.
“VDM and King Mitchy are ignorantly encouraging suicide in society and showcasing poisonous substances to use in achieving such deadly thoughts,” the Council declared.
It urged both parties to issue public apologies to Nigerians for what it termed “toxic content” and the use of vulgar language in public discourse.
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“If VDM is truly of character, as we suppose, then he should render a public apology for using such dirty and vulgar language in media space,” the Council said, adding that King Mitchy must also “rethink her immature handling of such a sensitive matter.”
The NCSCN also called on regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to pay closer attention to content generated on digital platforms.
“There must be strong sanctions, and some persons must be made scapegoats as a way of deterrence,” the Council warned.
While reaffirming its role as the “conscience of the people,” the Council maintained that its intervention was not about personal relationships but about safeguarding national interest, responsible activism, and the mental well-being of Nigerians.
“Patriotism must be the watchword in scripting materials. National security, development, and the social well-being of the people must always come first,” it added.
