The Nigerian Bar Association has come under fire on social media after it invited controversial influencer and social commentator, VDM (VeryDarkMan), to serve as a panelist at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The panel session was a panel session focused on the topic of insecurity and victims of violence, specifically addressing a discussion titled “Known GunMen” (or “Unknown Known Gunmen), and while many have argued that VDM has experience in the conversation and was the right fit, there have been differing opinions; here’s what we know:
The Backlash From The Invite
The NBA has received backlash from social media, both from the legal community and from well-meaning Nigerians who questioned why a non-legal social media personality was given a major platform at a formal gathering of legal professionals, and according to some, an influencer who has been taken to court by legal counsel had no place at a gathering of such.
What This Incident Opens Up About Influencer Culture
The conversation on VDM has sparked social media discussions about how much influencers are integrated into aspects of society for which they lack the appropriate educational background. While many have argued that VDM’s status as a social media justice warrior affords him the opportunity to sit on a panel discussing insecurity in the country, others have argued that a person whose only certification is their social platform should not be allowed to speak to lawyers who are truly educated in their fields.
It also sparked a conversation about how much power influencers in Nigeria have been given, with more influencers appearing on panels in corporate spaces rather than the industry experts who have built the industry and played an integral role in its growth. In VDM’s case, many have argued that there are less controversial influencers or celebrities who have used their platforms as social activists to fight for Nigerians, while also possessing the necessary certifications for their roles.
Why Inviting VDM Was Not The Best Choice
There are several reasons VDM should not have been invited to the NBA panel sessions, but these are among the most common criticisms from his critics.
- Lack of Legal Expertise
Legal experts who have criticized VDM’s invitation have stated that the influencer lacks the academic and policy-driven expertise required to address institutional security issues comprehensively, as his social media knowledge of insecurity does not cover all aspects of the topic and instead presents only a surface-level perspective.
- Disrespect To The Judiciary
Lawyers in Nigeria have continued to express outrage toward the invitation, pointing out that VDM has frequently shown a lack of decorum and civil respect toward judges and the legal establishment in Nigeria. He has had cases brought against him by other legal authorities and the government, and a case is pending against him by Femi Falana.
- Confusing Entertainment & Social Media Commentary With Factual Knowledge
An NBA panel session for lawyers requires panelists with the right resources and knowledge, and it should be sacred ground for intellectual discourse and policy formulation, not an entertainment platform.
VDM’s Response To The Backlash
In response to the criticism, VDM stated that he was invited because of his practical experience in the country. He also noted that insecurity impacts everyone, including Nigeria’s judiciary. He was invited to share a new perspective from his direct interactions with victims of insecurity and to offer an outlook beyond the typical academic view usually seen in panel discussions like this.
He has also taken to social media to respond to the backlash from Femi Falana by denigrating the legal profession, and has posted several videos attacking lawyers who criticized his invitation to the NBA panel.
What do we think?
Although both sides have made valid points in their arguments, it is important to note that inviting an influencer like VDM, who has an ongoing case with lawyer Femi Falana, to a significant event like an NBA panel is inappropriate. His case with Femi Falana indicates a disregard for Nigeria’s legal processes.
