Top Nigerian celebrities have lent their voices to demand the release of controversial online activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
VeryDarkMan, known for his outspoken commentary on social media, was reportedly arrested some couple of days ago on allegations of cyberstalking.
The social media influencer’ arrest has triggered a strong backlash online, with many accusing the commission of engaging in a crackdown on dissent.
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Earlier, eelive.ng reports that some youths on Monday took to the streets of Abuja to demand his immediate release.
However, some celebrities have taken to their individual social media accounts to demand the unconditional release of VeryDarkMan.
Musician Skales posted an image captioned “the voice of the voiceless” alongside the message, “Free vdm.”
Davido, on the other hand acknowledged the public’s support for VDM, he tweeted, “Outside all the noise it’s good to see that the good one does actually impacts lives and Pple actually appreciate! The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging.. makes one want to do more for the masses ❤️ FREE MY GUY.”
Cubana Chief Priest also shared a post: “We Just Dey Fake Happiness @verydarkblackman Our Man Is Missing. We Are Hopeful He Regains Freedom Today Or A Press Release From The People That Abducted Him. Joy No Dey The Voice Of The Voiceless Is Missing, The Hope Of The Hopeless Is Nowhere To Be Found. Peace Dey Cry, Street Dey Call For FreeVDM Now!!!”
In a sharp contrast, social media influencer, Saida Boj, who was recently in a public drama with VeryDarkMan, declined to join the #FreeVDM campaign, citing past unappreciated efforts: “When he was locked up last year, I pleaded for him and even posted his picture on all my social media platforms asking people to repost it, oversabi like me. When he was finally released, did I get a thank you? No. Why he go tell me thank you? Dem send me message? Make nobody tag me again. With or without my voice, he won’t be there forever?,” SaidaBoj said.
She also criticised VDM’s character, saying “This boy na very ungrateful person and I Saida Boj do not like ungrateful people. How dare you disrespect me like that? Even when you know that I do not like to be disrespected.”
While comedian Deeone has openly defended the police action, stating that the content creator had long crossed the line with his repeated “attacks and unfounded allegations” against public figures. Deeone accused VeryDarkMan of using activism as a cover for clout-chasing and personal vendettas.
Similarly, Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, also lent his support in a post on Instagram. He posted three photos of VDM with the caption, #FreeVDM ✊🏾🙅🏽♂️⛓️#FreeVeryDarkMan @verydarkblackman.
Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti also called for the release of social critic VeryDarkMan (VDM), alleging that influential religious leaders and certain financial institutions are behind his ordeal. “As Federal government is running our country, all these big pastors dey run Nigeria. The people of God are the ones fighting VDM for speaking the truth,” he said.
Popular blogger, Tunde Ednut amplified support for the detained figure by resharing clips of VeryDarkMan’s past advocacy work, portraying him as a necessary, if controversial, voice in Nigeria’s socio-political space
