Afrobeat superstar Davido, celebrity barman Cubana Chief Priest, and numerous Nigerians have strongly condemned the arrest of social media influencer and activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), calling for his immediate release.
The arrest, which was reportedly carried out on Friday by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a bank branch in Wuse, Abuja, has drawn widespread backlash. According to reports, the EFCC obtained a court order to remand VDM pending the conclusion of investigations into alleged cybercrime offences.
However, the manner in which he was taken into custody has sparked outrage online, with many describing it as an “abduction.” The hashtag #FreeVDM has since gone viral on various social media platforms, reflecting the mounting concern over what supporters call a breach of fundamental rights.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Davido praised the activist’s positive impact on ordinary Nigerians and appealed for his release.
“Outside all the noise it’s good to see that the good one does actually impacts lives and Pple actually appreciate!” Davido wrote.
“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 expressed deep concern in a heartfelt message on Instagram, pleading for VDM’s immediate release.
“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,” he posted.
“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. FreeVDM Now!!!”
Fans have flooded social media with emotional reactions and demands for justice.
@ibrahimazeez21 wrote: “Exactly what Nigeria needs to get better. We need the voices of strong men like you, Chief Priest. You’re always loved. Thank you… CP no small.”
@supernickky_musik added: “If VeryDarkMan fit miss then freedom of speech is not truly guaranteed here. Common man no safe again.”
@bigHotbaby1 noted: “EFCC and these politicians really need to focus on the right things! There’s real corruption going on and lives being affected and more!!! They should focus on important issues. Free VDM.”
Also weighing in, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, criticized the nature of the arrest and called for a return to lawful procedures.
“The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled abduction, a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements,” Obi said.
“If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.”
As calls for his release grow louder, the fate of VeryDarkMan remains uncertain, but one thing is clear — his voice has struck a powerful chord across the nation.
[…] National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially commenced the 2025 Hajj operations with the departure of its Advance Team to the Kingdom of Saudi […]