The arrest of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has ignited protests in Abuja and sparked widespread criticism from civil society and public figures.
Otse was reportedly picked up on May 2 following multiple petitions filed against him. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed that he was arrested alongside a friend at a GTBank branch in Abuja. “Demanding accountability is not a crime,” Adeyanju stated, questioning the legality of the arrest.
The development triggered a protest march through the capital city, with demonstrators calling for his immediate release. The protesters, who held placards and chanted solidarity slogans, also accused the authorities of targeting critical voices under the guise of legal processes.
Prominent voices, including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, condemned the arrest. He expressed concern over the forceful approach, describing it as “a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements.”
Obi warned that such tactics blur the lines between lawful enforcement and abduction, adding, “When those who interpret the law are treated with such disregard, it is difficult to expect that ordinary citizens will feel protected under the law.”
The controversy has also drawn reactions from the entertainment industry. Singer Davido publicly supported the activist, writing, “FREE MY GUY,” while commending the wave of solidarity. “The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging,” he said.
Protesters vowed to escalate the matter to the National Human Rights Commission, insisting that the arrest reflects a growing intolerance for dissent.
