Controversy Erupts as Influencer VeryDarkMan Challenges Actress Tonto Dikeh Over School ‘Deliverance’ Session
A wave of criticism has been directed at Nigerian actress Tonto Dikeh following the circulation of videos depicting a religious exercise conducted during a school visit on March 6, 2026. The incident, which appears to demonstrate Dikeh leading a prayer session that evolved into what some observers describe as a deliverance, has sparked a public debate about the appropriateness of such displays involving children. Prominent social media activist VeryDarkMan has emerged as a vocal critic, accusing Dikeh of exploiting vulnerable students for content and warning her to stay away from schools in his community. The controversy highlights broader questions about religious outreach in educational settings and the potential impact on young people.
The videos, shared on Dikeh’s Instagram account, show her and her team at a school where she stated she sensed a “spirit of death” before leaving the premises. This prompted an impromptu prayer session, which then appeared to involve students in a deliverance-style exercise. The footage quickly went viral, drawing a mixed response from social media users, with some defending Dikeh’s actions as a demonstration of faith and others expressing concern over the potential psychological effects on the children involved. The incident has ignited a discussion about the boundaries between religious expression and the well-being of minors in public spaces.
VeryDarkMan, whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse, responded strongly to the videos, condemning what he characterized as a dramatic spiritual display intended for online consumption. He specifically warned Dikeh against repeating such actions, particularly within his local area and emphasized the importance of protecting children from potentially harmful or exploitative situations. His criticism extends beyond the immediate incident, raising concerns about the broader implications of using children as subjects in religious content creation. He also highlighted his own contributions to the school, stating he had renovated parts of the facility, adding weight to his argument that the focus should be on tangible support for students rather than sensationalized religious displays.
The Incident at the School: A Closer Glance
According to reports, Tonto Dikeh visited the school as part of an evangelism outreach program. Even as details about the specific school remain limited, the actress explained in her Instagram posts that she felt a spiritual presence while preparing to depart. This led to the prayer session, which, according to observers, escalated into a deliverance exercise involving some of the students present. Matrixngr.com reported on the incident, detailing the actress’s claims of sensing a “spirit of death.” The exact nature of the prayers and the extent of student involvement remain subjects of debate, with differing interpretations circulating online.
The incident has raised questions about the protocols and permissions involved in conducting religious activities within school premises. Educational institutions typically have guidelines regarding external visitors and the nature of activities permitted on school grounds. It is unclear whether Dikeh obtained the necessary approvals before conducting the prayer session and deliverance exercise. The school administration has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident, leaving many questions unanswered.
VeryDarkMan’s Response and Concerns
VeryDarkMan’s reaction to the videos was swift and unequivocal. He publicly condemned Dikeh’s actions, arguing that involving children in such displays was irresponsible and potentially damaging. He specifically took issue with the actress’s choice to film and share the incident online, suggesting it was motivated by a desire for content rather than genuine religious concern. Legit.ng reported that VeryDarkMan warned Dikeh to stay away from the school, emphasizing that it was located within his community and that he would not allow children in the area to be used for “content.”
He further criticized what he perceived as a double standard, questioning why Dikeh would not attempt such a display with the children of wealthy individuals. This comment sparked a debate about class dynamics and the potential for exploitation of vulnerable populations. VeryDarkMan’s statement, as reported by Nigerianbulletin.com, included the pointed remark, “na only poor man children fine to test your powers.” He argued that children should be raised with a focus on “real life orientation” rather than being instilled with fears of spiritual forces.
Beyond his criticism of Dikeh, VeryDarkMan highlighted his own contributions to the school, noting that he had personally funded renovations to improve the learning environment. This underscored his commitment to supporting the students and his belief that practical assistance is more valuable than dramatic religious displays. He emphasized the importance of providing children with opportunities for growth and development, rather than subjecting them to potentially harmful or unsettling experiences.
Calls for Practical Support and Community Protection
VeryDarkMan’s response extends beyond simply criticizing Dikeh’s actions; he advocates for a shift in focus towards providing tangible support to children in underserved communities. He argues that public figures have a responsibility to use their platforms to uplift and empower young people, rather than exploiting them for personal gain or entertainment. This call for practical support resonates with many who believe that addressing the root causes of social problems requires concrete action, not just spiritual interventions.
His warning to Dikeh to stay away from his community reflects a sense of territoriality and a desire to protect the children in his area. He views the school as a safe space for learning and development, and he is determined to prevent it from being used as a stage for potentially harmful religious displays. This stance highlights the importance of community involvement in safeguarding the well-being of children and ensuring that their rights are respected.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of religion in public life and the ethical considerations surrounding religious outreach to vulnerable populations. Experts in child psychology and religious studies have weighed in on the debate, offering insights into the potential psychological effects of such displays on children and the importance of respecting their autonomy and agency. The discussion underscores the need for careful consideration and sensitivity when engaging in religious activities involving minors.
Social Media Reaction and Lack of Response from Tonto Dikeh
The videos of the school deliverance session quickly gained traction on social media, generating a wide range of reactions. Some users expressed support for Dikeh’s actions, viewing them as a demonstration of faith and a genuine attempt to help the students. Others, however, sided with VeryDarkMan, arguing that children should not be subjected to public deliverance sessions and that Dikeh’s actions were exploitative and irresponsible. The debate played out across various platforms, including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, with users sharing their opinions and engaging in heated discussions.
As of March 9, 2026, Tonto Dikeh has not publicly responded to the criticism leveled against her by VeryDarkMan or other social media users. Her silence has fueled further speculation and debate, with some questioning her motives and others defending her right to practice her faith. The lack of a response has also led to calls for greater accountability and transparency from public figures who engage in religious outreach activities.
The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear what the long-term consequences of this incident will be. However, it has undoubtedly raised important questions about the intersection of religion, social media, and the protection of children. The coming days and weeks will likely spot further developments as the school administration and relevant authorities assess the situation and determine whether any action is warranted.
Key Takeaways:
- Actress Tonto Dikeh faced criticism for conducting a deliverance session during a school visit.
- Influencer VeryDarkMan strongly condemned the incident, warning Dikeh to stay away from his community.
- The controversy highlights concerns about exploiting children for religious content and the importance of practical support for underserved communities.
- Dikeh has yet to publicly respond to the criticism.
The situation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this important issue in the comments below.