Activist VeryDarkMan issued a 7 day ultimatum to MTN over text messages promoting Dangote’s share sale sent to his private number.
Popular social activist and online commentator Martins Vincent Otse, known widely as VeryDarkMan, has issued a strict 7 day deadline to telecommunications company MTN Nigeria.
The threat came after he served an official legal letter directly to the company’s headquarters. Sharing an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the internet critic showed pictures of the stamped document received by MTN staff.
He expressed deep anger over receiving text messages promoting the Dangote Petroleum Refinery share sale on his personal phone line without giving any approval or consent.
He warned that if the telecom giant fails to give a full explanation within seven days, his legal team will take them straight to court for violating his private data rights.
The main reason for this legal move is the growing worry among millions of Nigerian phone users regarding how big companies get access to private phone numbers.
Every SIM card in Nigeria is linked directly to a National Identification Number, which is meant to keep personal details private and secure under national law.
VeryDarkMan argued that receiving commercial messages about business investments without asking for them shows that customers’ private data might be shared or used for advertising campaigns without proper permission.
The activist stressed that no company has the legal right to flood citizens’ personal lines with sales messages unless the owner gives full permission beforehand.
Writing firmly on his verified social media page while sharing the official acknowledgment paper, VeryDarkMan sent a clear warning to the company.
Expressing his strong determination to fight the matter legally, VeryDarkMan posted, “Sequel to the letter written by my LEGAL POWER ARSENAL MTN Nigeria @mtnng and this acknowledgement copy from @mtnng, the telecommunication giants have just 7days to respond to this letter”.
Demanding a clear explanation for why his line was targeted, he added, “UNA GO LEARN NEW THING JUST EXPLAIN WHY I AM RECEIVING A DANGOTE IPO ADS ON MY PRIVATE LINE WITHOUT MY CONSENT OR APPROVAL”.
Speaking earlier on his platform regarding the issue, he declared, “MTN, my lawyers will write you. Why was my NIN linked number used for Dangote IPO ads without my consent? I need an explanation, or we’ll meet in court”.
Legal analysts and public commentators note that the Nigeria Data Protection Act gives every citizen the right to say no to unwanted advertisement texts on their mobile phones.
Across social media, many everyday Nigerians have shared similar complaints about receiving endless promotional messages from banks, loan apps, and network providers every day.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
