Scores of Nigerian youths staged a protest in the heart of Abuja on Monday, demanding the immediate release of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who was arrested last week by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Demonstrators gathered near the Berger Bridge in Wuse, brandishing placards with slogans such as “Free VDM Now!” and “Stop Silencing Dissent,” as they condemned his detention as unlawful.
The protest, organized by grassroots civil society groups and digital rights advocates, follows VDM’s arrest on undisclosed charges linked to his outspoken critiques of government policies and celebrity corruption scandals.
Protest leader Amina Bello, a student activist, told Channels Television: “VDM’s arrest reeks of intimidation. If criticizing leaders is a crime, then democracy is dead.” Participants vowed to escalate their campaign by filing a formal petition with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Maitama.
VDM, who boasts over 2 million followers across social platforms, has faced multiple arrests since 2023 for his viral exposés on alleged graft among public officials. His latest detention comes weeks after he accused a sitting governor of embezzling state funds—a claim authorities neither confirmed nor denied. The EFCC has yet to issue a formal statement, but sources within the agency suggest the arrest relates to “cyberstalking and incitement.”
Legal experts have raised concerns over due process. Abuja-based lawyer Chidi Nwankwo noted: “The EFCC’s mandate focuses on financial crimes, not regulating social media speech. This overreach sets a dangerous precedent.” Meanwhile, the protest has sparked solidarity rallies in Lagos and Port Harcourt, with hashtags like #FreeVDM trending nationwide.
The demonstration also drew attention to broader fears about shrinking civic space. A 2024 report by Amnesty International documented 89 cases of activist arrests in Nigeria, with 70% involving critics of the government. “We’re seeing a pattern of repression disguised as law enforcement,” said Human Rights Watch researcher Adeola Adebayo. “Youths are tired of being silenced.”
Protesters dispersed peacefully after submitting a petition to the NHRC, which has pledged to review the case. The EFCC, however, remains silent, fueling speculation about VDM’s legal status.
