VDM Regains Freedom Today
Amidst mounting public pressure and widespread allegations of unlawful detention, indications have surfaced suggesting that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is poised to release social media influencer Martins Otse, widely known as "VeryDarkMan," on Tuesday. However, sources within the anti-graft agency have also revealed plans to formally charge him in court on Thursday, setting the stage for a legal showdown.
The Nation newspaper cited a senior official within the EFCC, speaking under the condition of anonymity, who confirmed the impending release. While acknowledging that Otse remains in custody, the official clarified that he has not yet been formally arraigned before a court of law.
"VeryDarkMan" was recently apprehended by the EFCC based on allegations of cyberstalking, a charge that has ignited a firestorm of controversy and fueled accusations of political persecution. Deji Adeyanju, Otse's legal representative, confirmed the arrest via a post on social media platform X, stating that a team of policemen took VDM and his friend, C Park, into custody.
The arrest sparked immediate outrage among a significant segment of the population, particularly young people who view "VeryDarkMan" as a voice of the voiceless and a champion of social justice. On Monday, scores of youths took to the streets of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, to protest the activist's detention.
The protesters marched from the headquarters of the EFCC to the premises of a commercial bank, believed to be the location where Otse was apprehended. Carrying placards emblazoned with messages such as "Release Very Dark Man" and "Seyi Tinubu, Are You Involved?," the demonstrators vociferously condemned what they perceived as an illegal and unjust arrest. The inclusion of Seyi Tinubu's name on some of the placards hints at suspicions of political motivations behind Otse's detention.
Expressing deep dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency surrounding the case, the protesters vowed to escalate their grievance to the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, located in the Maitama district of Abuja. They demanded that the authorities provide a clear and compelling explanation for Otse's arrest and detention, emphasizing that the government must respect the fundamental rights of all citizens, including the right to freedom of expression. The unfolding events suggest a growing tension between the EFCC and certain segments of the public, raising questions about the agency's methods and its commitment to upholding the principles of justice and due process.