Nigerian social media activist Vincent Otse Martins, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has stirred public attention again after releasing an alleged voice recording involving music promoter Sam Larry and singer Zlatan Ibile, tied to the circumstances surrounding the death of late Nigerian artist Mohbad.

In the audio that was widely shared online, Zlatan is reportedly heard speaking in Yoruba with Sam Larry, distancing himself from the controversy and explaining why he chose not to speak publicly about the incident at the time. According to the conversation, Zlatan feared that commenting would attract unnecessary online drama.

VDM, who posted the audio on Instagram, didn’t mince words. He issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Zlatan, urging him to publicly clarify his position and explain his silence during the early public outcry for justice over Mohbad’s sudden death.

Reacting to backlash from those questioning his decision to reopen the case, VDM said many critics were not sincere in their demand for justice. He stressed that Mohbad is still not buried and that the fight for accountability must continue.

“I deliberately brought this case back because I see a lot of you have moved on. That’s why our government doesn’t take us seriously. We forget too fast,” he said in a video post.

VDM also accused certain individuals of bullying and intimidation to silence the truth. He called out Zlatan directly for allegedly knowing more than he let on.

“Zlatan, you kept quiet. You need to explain what you know and why you didn’t speak when people were demanding justice,” he said.

Online reactions have been divided. While some Nigerians sympathize with Zlatan, saying silence can be strategic, others are calling for transparency and accountability from all those who may have had knowledge of Mohbad’s final days.

Mohbad, real name Ilerioluwa Aloba, passed away in September 2023, sparking widespread outrage and a national conversation around bullying and artist exploitation in the Nigerian music industry.

With tensions rising once again, this renewed spotlight may push more names involved in the saga to speak up, or risk further scrutiny.