In a fiery statement, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for what he describes as a clear misuse of authority in the arrest and ongoing detention of Martins Vincent Otse, widely recognized as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

The social media influencer and activist was taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prompting Atiku to label the incident as a troubling violation of fundamental human rights and an alarming sign of political suppression in Nigeria.

Atiku, a prominent political figure and vocal critic of the current government, expressed his concerns in a detailed statement on May 5, 2025.

He argued that the detention of VeryDarkMan, a well-known advocate for social justice, reflects a broader pattern of repression under Tinubu’s leadership.

According to Atiku, the Tinubu administration has increasingly resorted to using federal agencies like the EFCC to silence dissenting voices, a tactic he believes undermines Nigeria’s democratic principles.

He emphasized that the arrest of VDM, who has gained a massive following for his outspoken critiques of corruption and governance, is not an isolated incident but part of a deliberate strategy to stifle free expression and intimidate activists.

VeryDarkMan, born Martins Vincent Otse on April 8, 1994, in Kaduna, Nigeria, has become a polarizing figure in the country’s civil and political rights landscape. Hailing from Benin City, Edo State, he rose to prominence in 2022 through his social media activism, often engaging with celebrities and public figures to highlight societal issues.

His bold approach earned him both admiration and controversy, including a public endorsement from Nigerian singer Davido in June 2023 and a nomination for the Silverbird’s Most Influential Social Media Influencer of the Year award in January 2024.

However, his activism has also led to legal troubles, with previous arrests in March 2024 for alleged cyberbullying and a defamation case in September 2024 involving human rights lawyer Femi Falana. Despite these challenges, VDM has remained a steadfast voice for the voiceless, making his latest detention a focal point of national debate.

Atiku’s statement also highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding VDM’s arrest. As of the latest reports, the EFCC has not provided an official response to the allegations of abuse of power, nor has it disclosed the specific reasons for Otse’s continued detention.

This opacity, Atiku argued, is indicative of a growing trend of selective justice in Nigeria, where state institutions are weaponized to target critics while ignoring broader issues of corruption and human rights abuses.

He called on Nigerians, as well as civil society organizations, to stand against what he described as a dangerous slide into authoritarianism, urging collective action to protect the country’s democratic values.

The arrest of VeryDarkMan comes against the backdrop of ongoing criticism of the Tinubu administration’s human rights record.

A 2023 report by Amnesty International noted that, just six months into Tinubu’s tenure, his government had failed to address rampant human rights violations or ensure accountability for past abuses.

This context lends weight to Atiku’s assertions, as many Nigerians continue to grapple with the consequences of governance that prioritizes political control over justice and freedom.

The controversy surrounding VDM’s detention has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with hashtags like #FREEVDMNOW gaining traction.

Supporters argue that his arrest is a direct attack on free speech, while others see it as a necessary measure to curb what they perceive as reckless activism.

Regardless of the divide, the incident has reignited discussions about the role of state power in a democracy and the urgent need for reforms to protect citizens’ rights in Nigeria.