A growing crowd of young protesters has taken to the streets of Nigeria’s capital demanding the release of detained social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The demonstration, concentrated near the Berger Bridge in Wuse, comes amid mounting controversy over the activist’s arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Protesters brandished placards with messages like “Free VDM Now” and “Stop Silencing Critical Voices,” as they marched toward the National Human Rights Commission headquarters in Maitama. The group alleges the influencer’s detention violates constitutional rights, with one demonstrator telling our correspondent: “This isn’t about VDM alone – it’s about protecting every citizen’s right to speak truth to power.”
The EFCC has yet to disclose specific charges against the controversial online commentator, whose critiques of government and celebrity figures have garnered both massive followings and legal troubles. Sunday’s arrest followed VDM’s recent allegations about financial improprieties involving a major commercial bank.
Security personnel monitored the peaceful protest as organizers promised escalating demonstrations until the activist’s release. The incident has reignited debates about freedom of expression in Nigeria’s digital space, coming just days after former presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned what he called “abduction-style arrests” of government critics.
ADBN TV is tracking this developing story and will provide updates on the EFCC’s response and VDM’s legal status.
