CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The dynamics of human rights advocacy have changed in the age of digital media and social activism in Nigeria. In the past, human rights campaigns were largely conducted by civil society groups, legal systems, and international organizations like Amnesty International. The role of social media influencers has been increasingly significant in shaping modern Nigerian human rights advocacy practices.

VeryDarkMan is one of the key actors in the sphere of digital human rights in Nigeria. This social activist has made his name in public circles as an online advocate who fights corruption, protects consumers, holds the police accountable, and provides justice to marginalized people. His approach to social activism can be characterized by viral videos and direct confrontations with wrongdoings through Instagram, TikTok, and X (previously known as Twitter). Between 2024 and 2026, VeryDarkMan gradually rose to be a very dominant voice in the public discussions about the human rights violations in Nigeria. His actions point to a trend where digital influencers are becoming the unofficial watchdogs of governance and social order (Okoye & Ibrahim, 2025). As a result, human rights advocacy has now moved not only within the official government and non-government institutions, but has also found its way into the online public sphere.

Promotion of human rights in Nigeria is still an urgent matter as a result of several terrible practices that continue to be perpetrated such as police brutality, slow judicial systems, violence against women and abuse of power whose impacts still challenge communities. Both local and international human rights organizations have recognized these challenges in their reports published in 2025 that besides the fact that people are somewhat isolated, the situation of their complaints being solved is still unsatisfactory (National Human Rights Commission Report, 2025). Here, in these circumstances, online activism has become indeed a very instrumental yet powerful feature of advocacy that comes even as a great arrangement challenged to complement other forms.

.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Between 2024 and 2026, VeryDarkMan gradually rose to be a very dominant voice in the public discussions about the human rights violations in Nigeria. His actions point to a trend where digital influencers are becoming the unofficial watchdogs of governance and social order (Okoye & Ibrahim, 2025). As a result, human rights advocacy has now moved not only within the official government and non-government institutions, but has also found its way into the online public sphere.

Promotion of human rights in Nigeria is still an urgent matter as a result of several terrible practices that continue to be perpetrated such as police brutality, slow judicial systems, violence against women and abuse of power whose impacts still challenge communities. Both local and international human rights organizations have recognized these challenges in their reports published in 2025 that besides the fact that people are somewhat isolated, the situation of their complaints being solved is still unsatisfactory (National Human Rights Commission Report, 2025). Here, in these circumstances, online activism has become indeed a very instrumental yet powerful feature of advocacy that comes even as a great arrangement challenged to complement other forms.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary goal of this research is to investigate the influence of VeryDarkMan in advocating for human rights in Nigeria. The research aims to:

1.         Ascertain the contribution of VeryDarkMan in creating awareness of human rights matters.

2.         Analyze the extent of success achieved by VeryDarkMan in promoting accountability through online activism.

3.         Investigate public opinion about influencer-based human rights advocacy.

4.         Identify the influence of digital activism on institutions in Nigeria.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This paper is important in the sense that it adds to the increasing body of research on digital activism and human rights in Africa. Specifically, the study demonstrates the changing dynamic in terms of how social media celebrities function as unconventional participants in governance and accountability processes.

Research conducted recently reveals that internet platforms have become vital in civic activism in Nigeria, especially for youths who depend on social media for socio-political information (African Digital Rights Monitor, 2025). Researching the influence of influencers such as VeryDarkMan is important to policymakers, CSOs, and academics interested in integrating internet activism into human rights discourse.

In addition, this paper sheds light on the capabilities and drawbacks associated with influencer-led activism, especially concerning accuracy, credibility, and sustainability..

1.5 Scope of the Study

The purpose of this research paper is to analyze the significance of the VeryDarkMan in advancing the cause of human rights in Nigeria from 2024 to 2026. The analysis will be based on the activities conducted by the VeryDarkMan online in advocating for human rights. The research paper will be focused mainly on online activism.

1.6 Conceptual Framework

The research draws its theoretical underpinning from the theory of digital activism, which describes how social media sites are used to rally public opinion, highlight injustices, and affect policy decisions. Digital activism involves decentralization of communication, speedy diffusion of information, and participation.

Within this framework, influencers serve as agenda setters, guiding the discussion around specific issues related to human rights. The success of this role relies on factors such as the extent of their audience, credibility, and institutional response (Akinyemi & Roberts, 2025).

REFRENCES

African Digital Rights Monitor. (2025). Social media and civic engagement in Nigeria. Lagos Policy Institute.

Akinyemi, T., & Roberts, J. (2025). Digital activism and youth participation in African governance. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 16(2), 44–60.

Eze, M., & Bello, K. (2025). Social media activism and policy responsiveness in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Communication Studies, 9(1), 71–85.

National Human Rights Commission Report. (2025). State of human rights in Nigeria. Abuja: NHRC Publications.

Okoye, P., & Ibrahim, S. (2025). Influencer culture and political communication in Nigeria. African Media and Society Review, 12(3), 90–108.