VDM Set for Release Today Faces Court Charges on Thursday
Popular activist and social media influencer, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), will be released today after being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since Friday.
A source told Vanguard that while VDM is set to be released today, he will appear in court on Thursday to face several charges. The EFCC said the charges are based on multiple petitions accusing him of cyberstalking and related crimes.
Over the weekend, many young Nigerians took to the streets of Abuja to protest his arrest. They marched in areas like Wuse and near the Berger bridge, calling the arrest illegal and demanding justice. They also said they would take their complaints to the National Human Rights Commission.
The protest has gained support from big names including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, lawyer Richard Akinnola, singer Davido, and celebrity Cubana Chief Priest.
The EFCC confirmed that although VDM has not yet been formally charged, they are preparing the case. A source said: “We are working on the charges and will file them in the coming days.”
Timothy Osadolor, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, said most protesters didn’t even know why VDM was arrested until shortly before they hit the streets. He blamed the government for poor communication and warned that its silence is worsening public anger.
He added that young people must become more active in national matters and use their voting power wisely in the 2027 elections. “If we are serious, we can change the kind of leadership we have,” he said.
Former VP Atiku also condemned the arrest, saying it’s part of a disturbing pattern of political repression. He warned that detaining VDM without charges is a threat to democracy and called on Nigerians to resist “state-sponsored repression.” He added that people close to the government often walk free despite being accused of corruption, while critics are quickly arrested.
Activist Richard Akinnola said it was wrong to keep VDM in custody for more than 24 hours without bail. He wrote on Facebook: “Even if someone is guilty, the law still protects their rights until proven otherwise.”
Music star Davido also demanded VDM’s release, saying the influencer has helped many ordinary Nigerians. “Free my guy,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding that the massive public support shows that VDM’s work truly matters.
Cubana Chief Priest also posted on Instagram, calling the arrest a fake and painful move. “The voice of the voiceless is missing,” he wrote, adding that peace is lost without VDM.
Many fans online echoed the same feeling. Some said if someone as popular as VDM could be taken away so easily, then regular Nigerians have no safety. Others asked EFCC to focus on real corruption instead of targeting people who speak up.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also criticized how VDM was arrested. He said the arrest looked more like an abduction, which could send the wrong message and even inspire criminals to copy such tactics. He called on security agencies to follow due process and protect people’s rights.
