Tonto Dikeh’s School Deliverance: VeryDarkMan Condemns Actress’s Actions

Nigerian influencer VeryDarkMan has publicly criticized actress Tonto Dikeh following the circulation of a video depicting a spiritual exercise conducted during a school visit. The incident, which occurred on Friday, March 6, 2026, has ignited debate online regarding the appropriateness of such displays involving children. VeryDarkMan’s strong reaction centers on his concern that Dikeh’s actions could be harmful to the students and misrepresent spiritual concepts, particularly within his local community.

The School Visit and Viral Video

Tonto Dikeh shared footage on her Instagram account showcasing what she termed a spiritual encounter during an evangelism outreach at a school. The videos show Dikeh and her team responding to a perceived “spirit of death” in the school environment, initiating a prayer session that evolved into what appeared to be a deliverance exercise with student participation. The clips quickly gained traction, prompting a range of responses from social media users.

The specific school’s location has not been officially confirmed, but VeryDarkMan has stated it is within his community, adding a personal dimension to his criticism. The nature of the “deliverance” exercise remains somewhat unclear, with descriptions varying across social media platforms. Still, the core concern revolves around the potential psychological impact on the children involved and the appropriateness of conducting such activities within a school setting.

VeryDarkMan’s Direct Challenge

VeryDarkMan’s response was direct and forceful. He urged Tonto Dikeh to refrain from involving children in what he characterized as dramatic spiritual performances intended for online consumption. He explicitly warned Dikeh to avoid conducting similar events in his community, stating, “do not come to my area to do this again… na only poor man children good to test your powers. Leave my area kids alone.” This statement highlights a perceived disparity in who benefits from such displays and suggests a concern that vulnerable children are being exploited for content creation.

He further argued that public figures should prioritize practical support for children in underserved communities over staging public deliverance sessions. VeryDarkMan highlighted his own contributions to the school, mentioning renovations undertaken to improve the learning environment. He emphasized the importance of providing children with “real life orientation” rather than instilling beliefs about external forces negatively influencing their lives. He stated, “Prayers are good however without function prayers are not useful.”

A History of Online Disputes

This is not the first time VeryDarkMan has been involved in public disputes with Nigerian celebrities. He was recently re-arraigned on charges of ‘cyberbullying’ relating to posts targeting Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo, as reported by The Whistler Newspaper and LEADERSHIP Newspapers. These charges stem from allegations of online harassment and defamation. The ongoing legal proceedings add another layer to the context of his current criticism of Dikeh, suggesting a pre-existing adversarial relationship.

The Broader Debate: Religion, Influence, and Children

The controversy extends beyond a personal dispute between two public figures. It taps into a broader debate surrounding the role of religion, the influence of social media, and the protection of children. In Nigeria, as in many African nations, religious belief is deeply ingrained in society, and faith-based outreach programs are common. However, the increasing visibility of these activities on social media raises questions about accountability and potential exploitation.

The incident also highlights the power dynamics between celebrities and their followers, particularly young people. Tonto Dikeh’s large social media following gives her significant influence, and her actions can have a considerable impact on her audience. Concerns have been raised about the potential for impressionable children to internalize potentially harmful beliefs or engage in risky behaviors based on what they spot online. The Nigerian government has, in separate instances, cautioned celebrities about public conduct. For example, PM News Nigeria reported on warnings issued to actress Sarah Martins regarding cooking on public roads, demonstrating a pattern of authorities addressing public behavior by celebrities.

Conflicting Perspectives and Unanswered Questions

While VeryDarkMan has been vocal in his criticism, Tonto Dikeh has not yet publicly responded to the allegations. This silence has fueled further speculation and debate online. The extent of student participation in the “deliverance” exercise remains unclear, as does the specific nature of the prayers and rituals involved. Some social media users have defended Dikeh’s actions, arguing that she was simply exercising her religious freedom and attempting to provide spiritual guidance to the students. Others have expressed concern about the potential for psychological harm and the ethical implications of involving children in such activities without parental consent.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

The immediate next steps likely involve continued online discussion and scrutiny of both VeryDarkMan and Tonto Dikeh. The outcome of VeryDarkMan’s cyberbullying case could also influence the narrative, potentially impacting public perception of his motives and credibility. It remains to be seen whether Tonto Dikeh will address the criticism directly or whether the school authorities will issue a statement regarding the incident. Further investigation into the specifics of the school visit and the involvement of students may be necessary to fully understand the situation and determine whether any further action is warranted. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between religion, social media, and the well-being of children in the digital age.