Nigerians have taken to social media to criticise controversial activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following comparisons between the prices of his newly introduced Ratel tripods and similar products listed on online shopping platforms.
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Key Highlights
- VDM’s Ratel tripod is reportedly priced at N20,000, against a Jumia listing of N9,290.
- Critics accuse the activist of contradicting his stance against the exploitation of Nigerians.
- Supporters say the Jumia price was a Black Friday discount from over N21,000.
- Some users say look-alike products may differ in quality, durability and accessories.
- The debate comes ahead of the Ratel Movement Convention 2026 in Abuja on December 19.
The controversy erupted after social media users began comparing the N20,000 price tag reportedly attached to a Ratel tripod with a similar product listed on Jumia for N9,290, triggering questions about the activist’s pricing strategy and his claims of standing against the exploitation of ordinary Nigerians.
The debate has divided social media users, with some accusing VDM of selling the products at inflated prices, while others have defended his decision to determine his own selling price.
Critics Question VDM’s Pricing
One of the reactions came from Oyindamola, with the handle @dammiedammie35, who pointed out the price difference between VDM’s tripod and the one advertised on Jumia.
Another user, @YoungStunning, accused the activist of contradicting his long-standing position against people allegedly taking advantage of Nigerians.
He wrote: “The same activist who preaches against the government milking Nigerians is the being wanting to extort N10k per tripod from Nigerians.”
The criticism also extended to the alleged cost of importing the product, with an X user identified as POLIBO (@Akuebiligo1), who claimed to sell the same tripod, arguing that VDM’s price was significantly higher than the prevailing market rate.
According to him, the tripod sells for about N10,000 in Alaba Market, while its importation cost is allegedly below N7,000.
He suggested that VDM could reduce the price to N8,000, insisting that the N20,000 selling price was excessive.
Jumia Comparison Disputed
However, the Jumia comparison itself became another subject of disagreement, as some users argued that the N9,290 listing was a discounted price rather than the product’s original selling price.
Chinedu Akubude (@AkubudeChinedu) questioned why critics were ignoring the original price displayed on Jumia, which he said was above N21,000 before a 54 per cent discount.
Similarly, Jimoh Abdulqudus (@JimohAbdulqudu4) argued that the lower price was connected to Jumia’s Black Friday promotion, suggesting that comparing it directly with VDM’s price was misleading.
Another user, Festy (@ODFesty), also claimed that his cousin had previously purchased the same tripod on Jumia for N24,000.
Defending VDM, Stevejayfx (@Raphadolbaby) challenged critics to purchase from Jumia if they believed the platform offered a better deal.
Another supporter, Omeshy (@mesioye_samuel), dismissed the criticism, arguing that running a business and making a profit should not automatically be interpreted as a betrayal of one’s principles.
He maintained that customers who were dissatisfied with the price could purchase from alternative sellers.
Horla (@Adesanyajnr1) also defended the activist, arguing that the products were already available online before VDM introduced his own brand and that customers remained free to patronise other retailers.
The argument has also raised questions about product quality, with some supporters warning against assuming that two products that look alike necessarily have the same specifications, durability or accessories.
One user, Owize TV (@Owizevibez18), referenced his experience with a faulty power bank purchased online, arguing that buyers should consider product quality rather than focus exclusively on the cheapest available price.
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Activist Turned Entrepreneur
Beyond the tripod controversy, VDM’s Ratel business venture has attracted attention following the introduction of gadgets, including lighted phone stands and power stations.
Videos circulating online have shown customers praising some of the products, highlighting features such as remote controls and sturdy aluminium construction.
Reports of customers turning up to purchase the gadgets, including queues in Abuja, have also contributed to the growing attention surrounding the business.
The development has, however, created an interesting conversation about the relationship between VDM’s identity as an outspoken activist and his emergence as an entrepreneur.
Known for his criticism of alleged corruption, exploitation and questionable business practices, the activist has built a following around his public interventions and calls for accountability.
For some critics, the pricing controversy raises questions about whether the standards he demands from public officials and businesses should also apply to his commercial activities.
For his supporters, however, there is nothing inherently wrong with an activist running a business, setting prices and making profits, provided customers are satisfied with what they are buying.
The debate comes ahead of the Ratel Movement Convention 2026, scheduled for December 19 at the National Stadium in Abuja.
The event is expected to feature games, food, entertainment and discussions about the movement’s future, with free participation for members.
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