Afrobeat superstar Davido, celebrity barman Cubana Chief Priest, and other Nigerians have condemned the arrest of social media influencer and activist Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The celebrities and fans of VDM have criticised the arrest, describing it as resembling an “abduction,” which has left many Nigerians concerned and demanding his immediate release.
VDM was reportedly apprehended on Friday at a bank branch in the Wuse area of Abuja by a combined team of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives.
According to media reports, EFCC has obtained a court order to remand him while an investigation into alleged cybercrime offences continues.
However, the arrest has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with the hashtag #FreeVDM trending across various platforms.
The celebrities and their followers expressed concerns, stating that it is difficult to differentiate between a legitimate arrest and what they consider the unlawful abduction of the socialite.
In a post on X, Davido praised VDM’s positive influence on the lives of ordinary Nigerians and urged the authorities to release him.
He wrote, “Outside all the noise, it’s good to see that the good one does actually impacts lives and people 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, on his Instagram page, called on the police to release the influencer immediately, asserting that he should not be unjustly detained.
“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!!!“
VDM’s fans, especially on social media, have also voiced their concerns over the situation.
@ibrahimazeez21 commented: “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.”
@orife_orife added: “Now the world will see why you and David deserve all the love. Where are those claiming the top spot? Thank you, eze-mmuo.”
@supernickky_musik stated: “If VeryDarkMan can be missing, then freedom of speech is not truly guaranteed here. The common man is no longer safe.“
@bigHotbaby1 expressed: “EFCC and these politicians really need to focus on the right things! There’s real corruption going on and lives being affected! They should focus on important issues. Free VDM.”
@X_apprendre noted: “It’s truly inspiring when someone stands up for what’s right and the people rally behind them. VDM’s voice clearly resonates with many, and seeing that solidarity reminds us that integrity and courage still matter. The momentum can be a spark for even bigger change.“
Earlier, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, criticised the manner in which VDM was arrested in a post on his X page (formerly Twitter). He called for increased respect for legal processes and the protection of fundamental rights.
He wrote, “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.“
“If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.“
Afrobeat superstar Davido, celebrity barman Cubana Chief Priest, and other Nigerians have condemned the arrest of social media influencer and activist Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The celebrities and fans of VDM have criticised the arrest, describing it as resembling an “abduction,” which has left many Nigerians concerned and demanding his immediate release.
VDM was reportedly apprehended on Friday at a bank branch in the Wuse area of Abuja by a combined team of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives.
According to media reports, EFCC has obtained a court order to remand him while an investigation into alleged cybercrime offences continues.
However, the arrest has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with the hashtag #FreeVDM trending across various platforms.
The celebrities and their followers expressed concerns, stating that it is difficult to differentiate between a legitimate arrest and what they consider the unlawful abduction of the socialite.
In a post on X, Davido praised VDM’s positive influence on the lives of ordinary Nigerians and urged the authorities to release him.
He wrote, “Outside all the noise, it’s good to see that the good one does actually impacts lives and people 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, on his Instagram page, called on the police to release the influencer immediately, asserting that he should not be unjustly detained.
“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!!!“
VDM’s fans, especially on social media, have also voiced their concerns over the situation.
@ibrahimazeez21 commented: “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.”
@orife_orife added: “Now the world will see why you and David deserve all the love. Where are those claiming the top spot? Thank you, eze-mmuo.”
@supernickky_musik stated: “If VeryDarkMan can be missing, then freedom of speech is not truly guaranteed here. The common man is no longer safe.“
@bigHotbaby1 expressed: “EFCC and these politicians really need to focus on the right things! There’s real corruption going on and lives being affected! They should focus on important issues. Free VDM.”
@X_apprendre noted: “It’s truly inspiring when someone stands up for what’s right and the people rally behind them. VDM’s voice clearly resonates with many, and seeing that solidarity reminds us that integrity and courage still matter. The momentum can be a spark for even bigger change.“
Earlier, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, criticised the manner in which VDM was arrested in a post on his X page (formerly Twitter). He called for increased respect for legal processes and the protection of fundamental rights.
He wrote, “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.“
“If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.“
