Lagos, Nigeria – October 22, 2025 – A brewing controversy between controversial social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and his erstwhile associate, China-based businessman China Ross Boss, has escalated into a transcontinental war of words over allegations of business scams. In a bold rebuttal that’s gone viral, Ross Boss dismissed VDM’s warnings to potential clients, declaring, “Let them report to police in China,” while urging Nigerians to verify deals directly with authorities rather than relying on online influencers.
The feud ignited on Monday when VDM, 31, dropped a cautionary video on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), addressing followers eyeing opportunities in China. Flanked by clips of him and Ross Boss—whose real name is reportedly Li Wei—chumming it up at business meetings and lavish dinners, VDM issued a stark disclaimer: “The fact that you see me with china_ross_boss does not mean he is legit. Be careful while transacting with him—any business you do with him, you are doing it on your own.” The post, which has garnered over 2.5 million views and thousands of shares, stems from whispers of dissatisfied clients claiming Ross Boss failed to deliver on promised electronics imports and relocation services, with losses rumored to exceed ₦50 million collectively.
VDM, a self-styled “voice of the voiceless” known for his relentless exposés on corruption—from Nollywood scandals to political graft—framed the advisory as protective journalism. “I’ve been to China with him, seen the hustle, but trust is earned, not assumed,” he stated in the clip, his trademark no-nonsense tone cutting through the Pidgin-infused narration. The activist, who relocated to China earlier this year to expand his advocacy and launch a merchandise line, has built a cult following of over 1.5 million across platforms. However, critics accused him of hypocrisy, pointing to his own past brushes with controversy, including a 2023 arrest for cyberstalking after clashing with singer Iyabo Ojo.
Enter Ross Boss, the Lagos-born entrepreneur who made waves in 2024 with his “China Connect” initiative, promising seamless sourcing of gadgets, fabrics, and even visa assistance for Nigerian exporters. Operating from Guangzhou’s bustling wholesale markets, the 35-year-old—often spotted in agbada-fusion outfits blending Naija flair with Sino sophistication—responded swiftly via a YouTube video titled “VDM Exposed: My Side of the Story.” Clocking in at over 10 minutes, the footage shows him in a sleek office overlooking the Pearl River, flanked by stacks of iPhones and LED screens as props.
“Let them report to police in China if I’ve scammed anyone—I’ll face it head-on,” Ross Boss declared, his voice steady but laced with frustration. He accused VDM of sabotage, claiming the activist approached him for a “personal favor” involving bulk smartphone shipments that went south due to customs delays, not foul play. “Martins knows the game; tariffs, inspections—China no be Lagos market. But now he’s warning people because I wouldn’t cut him extra commission? Na wa o.” Ross shared screenshots of WhatsApp chats allegedly showing VDM’s involvement in deals, alongside testimonials from satisfied clients who praised his “hustle culture” and prompt refunds. “If police no fit find case, wetin una go do? Social media court?” he quipped, drawing laughs from viewers.
The clapback has polarized netizens, with #VDMvsRossBoss and #ReportToChinaPolice exploding on X, amassing over 500,000 impressions in under 48 hours. VDM’s loyalists, dubbing themselves “Dark Army,” flooded comments with demands for accountability, one tweeting: “VDM saved lives with this—Ross dey use influence chop people money! China police fit dey him pocket.” Conversely, Ross’s supporters, many aspiring exporters, hailed his transparency: “Boss no dey run; VDM just wan trend. Let dem go court abeg 😂.” Memes proliferated, from edited clips of Jackie Chan “reporting scams” to Photoshopped images of VDM in a Chinese jail cell.
This isn’t VDM’s first rodeo in the China scene; he previously collaborated with Ross on a viral “Import 101” webinar that drew 10,000 attendees, blending street smarts with supply-chain tips. Ross, a former IT consultant who pivoted to e-commerce during the pandemic, boasts a network spanning Alibaba suppliers to Nigerian diaspora hubs in Shenzhen. Insiders speculate the rift boils down to clashing egos and unpaid dues, with one source whispering, “VDM felt used after Ross went solo on big deals.”
As of Wednesday evening, neither party has backed down—VDM reposted Ross’s video with a single emoji (👀), while the businessman teased “more receipts” in upcoming lives. Nigerian authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have yet to comment, but consumer watchdogs like the Consumer Protection Council urge due diligence: “Verify with embassies, not influencers.”
In the high-stakes world of Afrobeats-fueled exports and TikTok trades, this saga underscores a gritty truth: Even allies abroad can turn foes. Will it end in reconciliation over hot pot, or a full-blown lawsuit? For now, one side’s clear— if scams are afoot, the gavel’s in Guangzhou. Stay tuned as this cross-border beef simmers.