The rift between Davido and social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) has moved to a new stage, with the two reportedly unfollowing each other on Instagram.

What happened

Checks on Saturday, 31 October 2026, reportedly showed that Davido, who has more than 31 million followers, had removed VDM from his following list, and that VDM, who has more than 3 million followers, had done the same. Neither appears to have blocked the other, and neither has publicly explained the move.

The build-up

The two were once close allies, but their friendship broke down earlier this year. This week, VDM's friend Kokopee said he had tried to bring them back together and that VDM felt betrayed by the singer. Davido responded with a 'cap' emoji, suggesting he disputed the account. He also congratulated rapper Zlatan Ibile on 'Inferno', a chart-topping song widely seen as a jab at VDM.

VDM's court case

Separately, VDM announced that a criminal case brought against him by the police had been struck out, and he shared his excitement about the ruling.

How people reacted

Fans were divided. Some praised Davido for cutting ties, while others criticised him and urged him to support VDM's charity work instead. Many said the unfollow confirmed that a reconciliation was unlikely for now.

VeryDarkMan (VDM) and his RATEL brand have reportedly recorded about ₦90 million in sales in just one day, a figure that has set social media talking about how far the activist-turned-businessman could go.

The claim followed a post showing VDM in RATEL Power branded safety gear, holding up his phone, alongside a screenshot of bank alerts. The alerts, all dated 31 October 2026, show several customer payments for RATEL products, including a 600-watt power station, with the account balance climbing above ₦83 million.

From critic to businessman

VDM first became widely known for his social media videos and for publicly challenging powerful figures. Over time he has moved into importing products from China, building his own brand and steadily establishing himself in business. RATEL now sells items ranging from power stations to sensor lights.

A marketing style built on openness

What stands out most is how he markets the brand. Rather than relying on traditional adverts, he brings his audience along with him. He shows them the products, explains how they work and tests them publicly, so followers are watching the business grow in real time.

Whether people like him or not, few can deny the attention he has drawn to RATEL.

Sales are not profit

It is worth remembering that ₦90 million in sales is not ₦90 million in profit. Running a business comes with stock costs, shipping, staff, risk and plenty of other challenges, and the figure itself has not been independently confirmed.

Still, if RATEL keeps up this momentum, many observers believe it could grow into a multibillion-naira business group. Ten years from now, people may look back at these early videos and remember exactly how it all started.

Why it matters

Nigeria needs more young people who can turn online influence into productive businesses that create jobs and last. VDM's journey, with its struggles, criticism, mistakes and determination, is playing out in full public view.

So the question is simple: do you believe RATEL can become one of Nigeria's biggest indigenous brands in the next five years?

Social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) is facing fresh criticism over his power station business, this time from content creator De Peters.

What De Peters said

In comments reported on Saturday, 31 October 2026, De Peters reportedly asked why VDM was acting as though he was giving Nigerians free power stations, when he was in fact selling them to make money. He argued that VDM often criticises other influencers for promoting cryptocurrency, betting platforms and other products, yet was now promoting his own goods. He also said other businesses already sell power stations in Nigeria, some with similar capacity and specifications at lower prices.

Background

VDM has spent recent weeks promoting his Ratel power stations, imported from China, with videos from a warehouse and demonstrations of the units. He has said buyers will be limited to two units each and has clashed with businessman Blord, whom he accuses of copying the idea. Other commentators have praised VDM for bringing more affordable solar options to Nigerians, with one claiming that prices of power stations have fallen since the Ratel brand launched. The debate comes as federal agencies warn celebrities they will be held responsible for promoting fraudulent products, although there is no suggestion that VDM's products are fraudulent.

How people reacted

The comments sparked a wider conversation about influencer marketing. Some users agreed that VDM should not present a business as charity, while his supporters said he was offering a useful product at a fair price. VDM had not publicly responded at the time of the report.

VeryDarkMan (VDM) has unveiled another product under his growing RATEL brand, and this time it is something many Nigerian households may find useful, especially with the country's unpredictable electricity supply.

The new product is the RATEL Sensor Light, a motion-activated light that comes on automatically when it detects movement.

How much it costs

According to VDM, the sensor light comes in two sizes: the small size costs ₦4,200, while the big size costs ₦9,000.

Why it could be useful

Anyone living in Nigeria knows how frustrating the electricity situation can be. Imagine NEPA suddenly takes light at midnight and everywhere goes dark. You need to leave your bedroom, walk downstairs, check on your children or find your way outside to switch on the generator. Before you even find your torchlight, you have already knocked your leg against a chair.

This is where a sensor light could come in handy. It can be placed along staircases, corridors, bedroom entrances, wardrobes, storerooms and other dark corners of the house. Once it detects movement within its range, it switches on automatically, with no need to search for a wall switch in the dark.

A possible security benefit

The light could also help around entrances, gates and backyards. If somebody quietly approaches that area at night, the space around the sensor suddenly becomes bright.

Of course, a sensor light cannot replace proper home security, but it may help discourage unwanted visitors and make movement around a compound more noticeable.

VDM also explained that the product comes with different lighting colour options, including multicolour settings.

What buyers should check

At ₦4,200 for the smaller version, some households may find it affordable enough to install several units: one on the staircase, another in the corridor and perhaps two around the entrance. However, buyers should check the battery life, charging method, weather resistance and detection range before deciding where to install it.

A growing RATEL range

What stands out about this latest RATEL product is the idea behind it. VDM appears to be paying attention to the everyday inconveniences Nigerians face, especially those caused by poor electricity supply. From power stations to smaller household gadgets, he is gradually expanding his product range.

There is something worth appreciating about businesses that identify ordinary problems and offer affordable solutions. You don't always need to spend hundreds of thousands of naira to make your home more comfortable, and sometimes even a small gadget can save you the stress of walking around in darkness.

Imagine having four of these lights around your house. NEPA takes light, but as you move around, the lights come on automatically. Small enjoyment!

What do you think about the new RATEL Sensor Light? At ₦4,200 and ₦9,000, would you buy one for your home?