A group of Nigerian youths on Monday staged a protest in the streets of Abuja, demanding the immediate release of popular social media activist and influencer, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan.
The protest followed Otse’s arrest by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja. Although the specific reasons for his arrest remain unclear, the development has sparked public outcry, particularly among young Nigerians who view him as a fearless voice on social issues.
Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with bold inscriptions, the protesters gathered in large numbers at the junction leading to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the Jabi district of the Federal Capital Territory.
Amid chants of “He’s not a thief, Now VDM has blocked the road, Release VDM,” the demonstrators expressed their frustration over what they described as the unfair treatment of a young man whose activism has helped draw attention to societal ills.
The placards bore messages such as “Free VeryDarkMan Now”, “We Need Justice, Not Intimidation”, and “Activism Is Not a Crime.” The protesters said they were determined to continue their peaceful demonstrations until he is released or given fair legal representation.
As at press time, the police had yet to issue an official statement clarifying the grounds for Otse’s arrest or where he is currently being detained. Meanwhile, concerns continue to grow online and offline, as the hashtag #FreeVeryDarkMan trends across social media platforms, drawing support from civil rights groups, fellow influencers, and ordinary citizens.
