By: Manoah Kikekon
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| VDM and EFCC |
Abuja, Nigeria – Controversial social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), is set to be released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) tomorrow, reliable sources confirm. However, his freedom may be short-lived, as the anti-graft agency is reportedly preparing to formally charge him in court by Thursday.
The EFCC detained VDM last Friday, May 2, following multiple petitions accusing him of cyberstalking, defamation, and other related offenses. His arrest has ignited a firestorm of debate, with supporters claiming it’s a targeted attack on free speech, while critics argue he crossed legal boundaries in his online activism.
Since his detention, pressure has mounted on the EFCC, with protests erupting in Abuja’s Wuse district** on Monday. Demonstrators, waving placards with slogans like #FreeVDM” and “Stop Silencing Critics!”, demanded his immediate release. Social media has also been ablaze, with the hashtag #JusticeForVeryDarkMan trending nationwide.
A senior EFCC official, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that while VDM will be released on Tuesday, the commission is finalizing charges for his arraignment on Thursday. Legal experts suggest the case could set a major precedent for social media regulation in Nigeria.
Despite public outcry, the EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, raising questions about the transparency of the case. Analysts warn that this could further escalate tensions between the government and digital rights activists.
Known for his fearless commentary on corruption and governance, VDM’s release could mark a new chapter in Nigeria’s online activism landscape. Will he double down on his criticisms, or will legal battles force a change in approach?