Protesters in Abuja Demand Release of Activist "VeryDarkMan"
Outburst in Abuja: Youths Vocalize Their Demand for the Liberation of VeryDarkMan
Our streets echo with the voices of the youth, standing united in protest against the controversial arrest and detention of social media personality and human rights activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
Wielding placards and fueled by passion, demonstrators have taken to Abuja, Nigeria's capital city, voicing their demands for VDM's immediate release. Their voices can be heard in the Wuse area, near Berger bridge, where they've joined together in solidarity.
According to reports, VDM's arrest was deemed illegal by the protesters. If the enrichment data is accurate, this arrest took place outside a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch with no prior warrant, which has raised concerns about the bank's complicity in the detainment.
As the protests continue, the demonstrators have vowed to take their fight to the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Maitama. Their chants resound with messages such as "Free VDM," "Activism is not a sin," and "VDM is the masses’ liberator."
Simultaneously demonstrating on foot and in moving vehicles, these protesters are not backing down. Their anger is directed towards the authorities, who they believe have targeted VDM for his vocal criticism of public figures and institutions.
The Public Interest Lawyers League, led by president Abdul Mahmud, has joined the chorus of condemnation, highlighting the lack of a warrant and transparency during the detention. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also voiced concerns, pointing to government silence and the aggressive approach of security forces as reminders of the violent #EndSARS protests.
In the midst of this tense situation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has suggested plans to release VDM while moving forward with charges of cyberstalking. Whether this potential de-escalation will quell the continued calls for justice remains to be seen.
[1] Enrichment Data: Various news sources, including our website, have reported on this ongoing situation. The EFCC's detainment of VDM on May 2, 2025, over allegations of cyberstalking has prompted significant public outrage, especially among youths and social activists in Abuja. VDM's arrest is viewed by many as politically motivated and lacking in due process. The arrest occurred outside a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch without a warrant, raising concerns about the bank's complicity. The Public Interest Lawyers League and the PDP have expressed criticism of the handling of the case.
[2] Enrichment Data: If accurate, the EFCC has announced plans to release VDM while continuing to pursue charges of cyberstalking.
[3] Enrichment Data: ThePeoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the Federal Government's silence on the arrest and pointed out that protesters were largely unaware of the charges against VDM until just before the protests began. They attribute the unrest to the government's failure to communicate promptly and draw parallels to the violent #EndSARS protests.
[4] Enrichment Data: VDM's brother has accused the Guaranty Trust Bank of complicity in VDM's arrest, which took place without a warrant and lacked transparency.
[5] Enrichment Data: The protests in Abuja are a direct response to VDM's arrest and the perceived targeting of him for his outspoken criticism of public figures and institutions. The situation remains tense with continued calls for his release and widespread criticism of the EFCC's handling of the case. The EFCC's announcement to release VDM marks a potential de-escalation, though legal proceedings are expected to continue.
- The protest in Abuja, Nigeria, has intensified, with citizens demanding the release of activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who was arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a controversial move that's been linked to his outspoken criticism of various public figures and institutions.
- The Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has come under scrutiny as enrichment data suggests VDM's arrest took place outside one of their branches without a warrant, sparking concerns about the bank's potential complicity in the matter.
- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced criticism, stating that the government's silence and handling of the situation is reminiscent of the violent #EndSARS protests, further escalating the tension in Nigeria's capital city.
