A wave of protests erupted on Monday as social activists and concerned citizens converged at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, demanding the immediate release of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
Demonstrators were also spotted in parts of Lagos and near the Dantata Bridge in Abuja, holding placards with inscriptions such as “#ReleaseVDM” and “#FreeVDM.” These hashtags have been trending across various social media platforms since the controversial arrest of the activist.
VeryDarkMan was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 2 at a Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Abuja. The arrest, according to reports, followed allegations of cyberstalking.
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Sources say the activist had gone to the bank to lay a complaint over the alleged unauthorised deduction of funds from his mother’s account when he was picked up by EFCC officials.
In response to the arrest, several celebrities and public figures, including singer Davido, have voiced concern and called for due process.
As protests gain momentum both online and offline, the EFCC is yet to issue a detailed public statement regarding the arrest and charges. Meanwhile, rights advocates are urging authorities to respect Otse’s civil liberties and ensure transparency in the legal process.
