Atiku Condemns Arrest of VeryDarkMan, Labels Detention Disgraceful, Abuse of Power
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the arrest and ongoing detention of social media influencer and activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Atiku described the incident as a “blatant abuse of power” and a reflection of the growing authoritarianism under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku expressed deep concern over the lack of formal charges against Otse, emphasizing that his continued detention without due process is a flagrant violation of constitutional rights. He stated:
“The arrest and continued detention of social media influencer and outspoken critic, Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is yet another blatant abuse of power by the Tinubu administration, which has made political repression a hallmark of its rule.”
Atiku further accused the Tinubu-led government of systematically targeting opposition voices while allowing political loyalists with credible allegations of corruption to remain free. He warned that such actions threaten the democratic fabric of the nation.
“While security agencies are quick to target dissenters and critics, often in complete disregard of due process, political loyalists with credible allegations of corruption walk free, trading sycophancy for immunity.”
The EFCC confirmed Otse’s arrest on May 2, 2025, citing multiple petitions alleging cyberstalking. However, details of the specific allegations remain undisclosed. Otse’s legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, reported that his client was apprehended at a GTBank branch in Abuja, where he had gone to address issues related to his mother’s account. Adeyanju alleged that Otse was detained inside the bank’s security door for over five minutes, facilitating his arrest by EFCC operatives.
The arrest has sparked public outcry, with numerous Nigerians, including celebrities like Davido, calling for Otse’s immediate release. Protests have erupted in Abuja, where demonstrators marched from the EFCC headquarters to the GTBank branch involved, demanding transparency and justice.
As of now, Otse remains in EFCC custody without formal charges. Atiku has urged Nigerians to resist what he describes as state-sponsored repression, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic principles and protect freedom of expression.
