- Nigerian youths have protested the arrest of Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), a prominent social media activist and influencer in Abuja.
- Demonstrators in the Wuse area near Berger Bridge criticized his detention as unlawful and pledged to escalate their concerns to the National Human Rights Commission in Maitama.
Dozens of Nigerian youths have taken to the streets of Abuja in a peaceful demonstration against the detention of popular social media activist and commentator, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The protest, which took place in the Wuse district near the Berger Bridge, saw demonstrators brandishing placards with messages like “Free VeryDarkMan,” decrying his continued detention and describing it as an attack on freedom of speech. Protesters vowed to take their grievances to the National Human Rights Commission in Maitama.
VDM’s arrest was reportedly triggered by a petition from actress Tonto Dikeh, who accused him of cyberbullying and making threats. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, further disclosed that the petitions also came from actress Iyabo Ojo and musician Samklef.
Despite initial hopes for a quick release, VDM has been subjected to harsh bail terms, including a ₦200 million bond, the surrender of his international passport, and sureties who must own property and registered businesses within Abuja.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, however, denied any involvement in his arrest, stating that they had no knowledge of the case.
Prominent voices such as activist Omoyele Sowore and lawyer Deji Adeyanju have publicly criticized the arrest, calling it a misuse of law enforcement powers and a direct threat to free expression in the country.
The protest adds momentum to the growing national conversation about the suppression of dissenting voices and the role of celebrity influence in legal actions.
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