Verydarkblackman and Harrison on new face-off
Harrison, who has been involved in anti-kidnapping activism and security mediation, was accused of diverting part of a ransom payment meant for a kidnapped couple in Edo State. According to a family member, ₦20M was handed over for their release, but when the kidnappers received it, they claimed some money was missing, released only the wife, and kept the husband hostage. A portion, reportedly around 5.4M is alleged to have been withheld. The family’s accusation triggered outrage, with some calling for detainment or prosecution.VDM publicly admitted that he was the one who contacted police, leading to Harrison’s arrest. He said he made the call after investigating disturbing reports linked to the ransom case, and claims he only intervened because he believed the truth needed to come out.Harrison denies stealing any money. He says he never requested payment, he volunteered his help. According to his lawyer, the money withdrawn the ₦5.4M was removed because they intended to substitute part of the ransom cash with “prototype look-alike money” containing a tracking device, a controversial “tracking strategy” meant to track the kidnappers. The “fake money + tracker” explanation is offered as a justification for why the full ransom wasn’t delivered in cashHarrison says he handed over the withheld money to the police and expressed concern that revealing operational details might jeopardise the remaining hostage’s safety. VDM dismissed the “fake money + tracker” rationale as implausible and “technically flawed,” arguing that real money is heavier than prototype notes and thus cannot hold a tracking chip, thereby continuing to maintain that Harrison acted dishonestly. The dispute has triggered intense online debate: some support VDM’s demand for accountability, while others side with Harrison, calling the accusations a smear or a poorly understood security strategy