Features
Rising insecurity, failure of government in Nigeria fuels rise of self-appointed activists
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
24 Jan 2026 02:01 PM
In a nation plagued by escalating kidnappings, corruption, and faltering public institutions, a new breed of self-imposed activists has emerged, stepping into the void left by government failures.
A recent analysis by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) highlights this trend, focusing on the controversial case of activist Harrison Gwamnishu, whose involvement in a crowdfunding effort for a kidnapped couple in Edo State sparked accusations of fund mismanagement and a public apology.
This phenomenon underscores the risks when unregulated individuals assume roles traditionally held by formal systems, as trust in official channels continues to erode.
The ICIR report, published on January 22, details how Nigeria's security crisis, marked by mass abductions and communal violence in 2025 has driven families to turn to social media for help.
Gwamnishu, known for posting about kidnappings and offering assistance, became embroiled in scandal in December 2025.
He was accused by the victim's family of diverting over N5 million ($3,000) from crowdfunded ransom money intended for a couple abducted in Edo State.
Gwamnishu was arrested but later released on bail by an Edo State High Court.
In a video apology posted on January 3, he admitted to mishandling resources, stating, “I have not been well accountable in managing resources maybe given to me to handle for some cases, I’m sincerely sorry.”
He specifically apologized to individuals like "Madam Tudja," who sent him N600,000 ($360) without proper communication, and "Franklin," whose case he delegated while committing to repayments.
The analysis also draws parallels with other figures, such as social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). With millions of followers, VDM has positioned himself as a crusader against injustice, raising over N200 million ($120,000) in October 2024 for an NGO aimed at educational reforms in underserved areas, including a N100 million donation from music mogul Don Jazzy.
However, VDM faced his own backlash after claiming in December 2024 that N180 million was stolen from his NGO later revealed as a "social experiment" prank to expose online gullibility.
In Gwamnishu's case, VDM publicly demanded accountability, alleging he rejected bribes to remain silent.
Recent developments suggest some resolution in the Edo kidnapping saga.
Social media updates indicate the male victim was released weeks after his wife, following a reported N45 million ransom payment.
VDM confirmed the release in a video, while Gwamnishu has since been cleared of direct kidnapping and ransom theft allegations, according to posts celebrating his resilience.
In a statement, Gwamnishu expressed gratitude to supporters, noting, “God bless everyone that stayed. I learnt alot from all that has happened and i don't blame those who left because of allegations that were never proven.”
Experts in the ICIR piece argue that these cases exemplify broader systemic issues, as “the vacuum created by systemic failures has also helped cultivate a class of online activists and influencers who command large digital audiences and position themselves as arbiters of justice or defenders of the public.”
While crowdfunding provides immediate aid in crises where security agencies falter, it lacks oversight, leading to disputes and eroded trust.
As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, the rise of self-imposed activists highlights both innovation in citizen-led solutions and the urgent need for stronger institutional reforms to restore faith in governance.
A recent analysis by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) highlights this trend, focusing on the controversial case of activist Harrison Gwamnishu, whose involvement in a crowdfunding effort for a kidnapped couple in Edo State sparked accusations of fund mismanagement and a public apology.
This phenomenon underscores the risks when unregulated individuals assume roles traditionally held by formal systems, as trust in official channels continues to erode.
The ICIR report, published on January 22, details how Nigeria's security crisis, marked by mass abductions and communal violence in 2025 has driven families to turn to social media for help.
Gwamnishu, known for posting about kidnappings and offering assistance, became embroiled in scandal in December 2025.
He was accused by the victim's family of diverting over N5 million ($3,000) from crowdfunded ransom money intended for a couple abducted in Edo State.
Gwamnishu was arrested but later released on bail by an Edo State High Court.
In a video apology posted on January 3, he admitted to mishandling resources, stating, “I have not been well accountable in managing resources maybe given to me to handle for some cases, I’m sincerely sorry.”
He specifically apologized to individuals like "Madam Tudja," who sent him N600,000 ($360) without proper communication, and "Franklin," whose case he delegated while committing to repayments.
The analysis also draws parallels with other figures, such as social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). With millions of followers, VDM has positioned himself as a crusader against injustice, raising over N200 million ($120,000) in October 2024 for an NGO aimed at educational reforms in underserved areas, including a N100 million donation from music mogul Don Jazzy.
However, VDM faced his own backlash after claiming in December 2024 that N180 million was stolen from his NGO later revealed as a "social experiment" prank to expose online gullibility.
In Gwamnishu's case, VDM publicly demanded accountability, alleging he rejected bribes to remain silent.
Recent developments suggest some resolution in the Edo kidnapping saga.
Social media updates indicate the male victim was released weeks after his wife, following a reported N45 million ransom payment.
VDM confirmed the release in a video, while Gwamnishu has since been cleared of direct kidnapping and ransom theft allegations, according to posts celebrating his resilience.
In a statement, Gwamnishu expressed gratitude to supporters, noting, “God bless everyone that stayed. I learnt alot from all that has happened and i don't blame those who left because of allegations that were never proven.”
Experts in the ICIR piece argue that these cases exemplify broader systemic issues, as “the vacuum created by systemic failures has also helped cultivate a class of online activists and influencers who command large digital audiences and position themselves as arbiters of justice or defenders of the public.”
While crowdfunding provides immediate aid in crises where security agencies falter, it lacks oversight, leading to disputes and eroded trust.
As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, the rise of self-imposed activists highlights both innovation in citizen-led solutions and the urgent need for stronger institutional reforms to restore faith in governance.
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