By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
In a of civil unrest on the streets of Abuja, scores of young Nigerians staged a protest against the arrest of popular rights campaigner and digital commentator, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as Verydarkman (VDM).
The demonstration, which began at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), extended to the premises of a commercial bank allegedly the location of his arrest.
According to a report by Channels Television, protesters were seen wielding placards bearing inscriptions such as “Release Very Dark Man” and “Seyi Tinubu, Are You Involved?” as they marched through the Wuse area, not far from the Berger Bridge.
Many labeled the arrest a breach of civil rights and vowed to petition the National Human Rights Commission in Maitama.
VDM was arrested on May 2 following petitions reportedly filed against him. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that a team of EFCC officers arrested him alongside a friend identified only as C Park, while his mother was left behind.
Adeyanju described the arrest as excessive and unnecessary, asserting, “Demanding accountability is not a crime,” a quote that has since become a rallying cry on social media.
Among those condemning the arrest is Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who decried the approach used by EFCC as reminiscent of an abduction.
He warned that such methods, if left unchecked, could erode public trust and blur the line between legitimate law enforcement and unlawful kidnapping.
“We must recall that even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years,”
Obi stated, cautioning that such trends damage the nation’s legal and moral fabric.
Obi also noted the backlash faced by GTBank, the institution reportedly linked to the arrest site, emphasizing that the incident may deter investor confidence and further erode institutional integrity.
“Would it not have been more appropriate to invite Mr. Otse in a civil, transparent, and legal manner?” he queried.
Prominent voices from the entertainment world also joined the chorus, with award-winning artist Davido posting, “FREE MY GUY,” on social media, lauding VDM’s impact on society and the groundswell of public support he has received.
Civil rights advocates echoed similar sentiments, warning against what they described as a growing trend of authoritarian overreach.
The EFCC has yet to release an official statement detailing the nature of the petitions against VDM. As of the time of reporting, he remains in custody, while protest actions and public outcry continue to mount.
