Activist and social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who was arrested last Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), will be released today, a source told NEWS REVIEW.
According to the source, his release comes in response to the growing public pressure and protests that followed his detention. VDM is expected to appear in court on Thursday.
On Monday, scores of youths marched through Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, demanding his immediate release and condemning what they described as his illegal arrest and continued detention. Protesters were seen around the Wuse area, near the Berger Bridge, calling the EFCC’s action unlawful and threatening to take their case to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The EFCC confirmed that although VDM remains in custody, he has not yet been formally charged. A spokesperson disclosed that the commission is preparing multiple charges against him, including alleged cyberstalking.
Prominent voices across the political and entertainment scenes have spoken out against his arrest. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the situation as “state-sponsored repression,” warning that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat. He said, “This is a blatant abuse of power and a worrying trend of authoritarianism.”
PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, in a chat with NEWS REVIEW, criticised the lack of communication from security agencies, noting that the silence of both the EFCC and the police for over 48 hours sparked widespread outrage.
“Had they informed the public earlier, the protests could have been avoided,” Osadolor said, adding that the arrest has become symbolic of the government’s growing disconnect from public sentiment.
Veteran journalist and rights activist Richard Akinnola also condemned the prolonged detention, stating that VDM should have either been granted bail or charged to court within 24 hours. “Even an armed robber has rights until proven guilty,” he posted on Facebook.
Afrobeat star Davido, celebrity bar man Cubana Chief Priest, and other celebrities took to social media to demand VDM’s release. Davido praised VDM’s impact on ordinary Nigerians, saying, “The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging… makes one want to do more for the masses. Free my guy.”
Cubana Chief Priest described the arrest as an “abduction,” stating on Instagram, “The voice of the voiceless is missing. The hope of the hopeless is nowhere to be found. Free VDM now.”
Social media users also expressed fears over the safety of dissenting voices in Nigeria, with many warning that the arrest could send a dangerous message about the state of free speech in the country.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in a post on X, criticised the method of arrest, warning that the line between lawful detention and unlawful abduction is becoming dangerously blurred.
He said, “If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.”
VDM’s case continues to draw national attention, highlighting concerns about civil liberties, abuse of power, and the shrinking space for dissent in Nigeria.
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