VDM links cattle movement to laundering of public funds

Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has alleged that the cattle trade is being used by some individuals to disguise proceeds allegedly stolen from government coffers.

Otse made the claim on Tuesday while participating in a panel discussion on insecurity and its underlying causes at the 2026 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Speaking before lawyers and other conference participants, the activist questioned the large number of cattle transported through Nigerian communities and roads, suggesting that the activity could be connected to the movement of illicit funds.

“If you notice, you go around Nigeria, you see cows passing on our roads, you be wondering why so much cows. You know why? It is money laundering, it is the Government,” he said.

Otse did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation, which subsequently generated debate across social media.

While some users questioned the basis for linking cattle trading to money laundering, others argued that his comments raised broader questions about the movement and concealment of illicit wealth in Nigeria.

The cattle allegation formed part of a wider argument by Otse that insecurity had developed into an economic interest for some powerful individuals.

He alleged that the persistence of insecurity was connected to political interests and claimed that some serving and retired government officials, as well as members of the security establishment, benefited from the prolonged crisis.

According to him, ordinary Nigerians continued to bear the consequences while those benefiting from insecurity had little incentive to see the problem resolved.

Otse’s participation at the conference had itself generated debate, with some lawyers and observers questioning the decision to invite a social media personality without a legal background to speak at the NBA’s annual gathering.

Defending his presence, Otse said he was not at the conference to teach lawyers about legal practice but to offer perspectives based on his experiences covering insecurity.

He referred to his presence at locations affected by attacks, including Yelwata in Benue State, where scores of people were killed in June 2025.

At the conclusion of the session, the NBA presented Otse with a special recognition award for his participation and advocacy on insecurity.

The session moderator, however, advised him to report future security incidents to the police and other appropriate authorities rather than attempting to take matters into his own hands.