Activist and online personality Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who was arrested and detained last Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is expected to be freed today. However, the social media influencer is facing multiple charges and will be arraigned in court on Thursday.
This follows an outpouring of public support, particularly from youth groups who staged protests in Abuja, demanding answers regarding VDM’s arrest and the reasons behind his ongoing detention. The protests have escalated as the growing dissatisfaction over the government’s handling of his case intensifies.
Key figures including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Former Governor and Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in 2023 presidential election Peter Obi, civil rights advocate Richard Akinnola, music icon Davido, and influential socialite Cubana Chief Priest have all expressed strong disapproval of VDM’s arrest, calling it a violation of his rights and an attack on free speech.
EFCC Gears Up to File Charges Against VDM.
While the EFCC has not yet formally charged VDM, insiders have confirmed that preparations are underway to file charges related to cyberstalking and other associated crimes. According to a source within the commission, these charges are expected to be presented in the coming days.
At present, VDM remains in detention, with his case stirring considerable debate about the limitations of free expression in Nigeria. This controversy has drawn criticism for the EFCC’s delay in issuing a clear statement about the charges against him, which protesters argue would have alleviated tensions had it been communicated earlier.
Public Outcry in Abuja Over Government Silence.
The protests in Abuja, particularly in the Wuse area, were fueled by a sense of frustration over the government’s failure to address the situation in a timely manner. Many of the demonstrators were unaware of the reasons behind VDM’s arrest until shortly before the protests took place. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticized both the EFCC and Nigerian authorities for their lack of transparency, arguing that the protests could have been avoided with a clear statement on the issue.
Osadolor pointed out that if the government had acted swiftly to explain the situation, the protests may not have escalated as they did. He added, “The delay in providing information has only increased public suspicion and fueled the protests.”
In his remarks, Osadolor also highlighted the growing political awareness among Nigeria’s youth, emphasizing that young voters must become more engaged in the democratic process. He called for a focus on educating the youth about civic responsibilities and the importance of hard work over reliance on government positions.
More Read
Implications for Activism and Future Elections.
The arrest of VDM and the subsequent protests have sparked a wider conversation about activism and governance in Nigeria. As the legal process unfolds, many Nigerians are calling for greater accountability and transparency from government agencies.
You May Also Want to Read: VeryDarkMan Alleges N180 Million Stolen from NGO Account Following Hack.
For now, the case of VeryDarkMan serves as a touchstone for discussions about the intersection of social media, activism, and government authority in Nigeria. It is clear that the youth, who make up a significant portion of the electorate, are becoming increasingly vocal and politically engaged. How the government responds to these protests and the ongoing legal case will likely influence the political landscape in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
