In a powerful show of civic outrage and solidarity, hundreds of protesters flooded the gates of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) headquarters in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of controversial social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The protest, which erupted earlier this morning and continued into the afternoon, was characterized by intense chants, placard displays, and passionate speeches from youth leaders and human rights advocates, all condemning what they described as the unjust and politically motivated detention of the online commentator.

The tension in Abuja was palpable as demonstrators marched in waves from major junctions toward the NHRC office, drawing the attention of passersby, security agents, and national media. Dressed in black T-shirts and waving the Nigerian flag, protesters held up signs with slogans like “Silencing Truth is Tyranny,” “Release VDM Now,” and “Activism is Not a Crime.” Many in the crowd were visibly emotional, expressing their frustration with what they believe is an unending cycle of government oppression and institutional silence in the face of injustice.

VeryDarkMan, a content creator and social critic, was arrested on May 2, 2025, reportedly on charges bordering on cyberstalking. Though the Nigerian police have yet to provide a full explanation for his detention, multiple civil society groups claim that the arrest is simply a guise to stifle dissent. According to them, VDM has been a relentless voice against corruption, social inequality, and government inefficiency, making him a target of those in power.

What began as a small gathering quickly ballooned into a large-scale demonstration, with protesters blocking parts of Aguiyi Ironsi Street in Maitama, causing a disruption in traffic flow and prompting a visible increase in police presence. Armed security personnel were deployed around the NHRC premises to prevent any breach of the facility, but the atmosphere remained largely peaceful as demonstrators insisted on non-violence.

Among the protesters was a coalition of civil rights organizations, student unions, and independent activists who took turns addressing the crowd with megaphones. One of the organizers, human rights advocate David Okoro, told reporters that Nigeria was on the brink of silencing all voices of reason if people like VDM could be detained arbitrarily.

“Martins, known as VeryDarkMan, speaks truth to power. He calls out fraud, he challenges harmful narratives, and now he’s being punished for it. Today we are saying: enough is enough. If the Human Rights Commission fails to act now, they are complicit,” Okoro declared to loud cheers from the crowd.

The protest comes at a time when the credibility of the NHRC is under scrutiny. Despite its constitutional mandate to protect and promote human rights in Nigeria, the Commission has been criticized in recent years for being passive in the face of increasing reports of abuse by state actors. In 2024 alone, the Commission reportedly received over two million human rights complaints, many of which remain unresolved. Protesters say this pattern of silence or inaction is part of why they are holding the Commission accountable in the case of VeryDarkMan.

A woman who identified herself as Chiamaka, a university student and one of VDM’s followers on Instagram, said she travelled all the way from Nasarawa State to join the protest in Abuja. “This is not just about VDM; it’s about every Nigerian youth who dares to speak. If they can arrest him today, they can come for any of us tomorrow,” she said, clutching a placard with the words “Oppression Thrives in Silence.”

As the crowd swelled, chants of “Free VeryDarkMan Now!” echoed through the streets, interspersed with songs of protest and resistance. The demonstrators took strategic turns speaking to media outlets, livestreaming the protest across multiple social media platforms to garner global attention. Hashtags such as #FreeVDM and #JusticeForVDM began trending on Twitter and TikTok, drawing attention from both local influencers and diaspora activists abroad.

Despite repeated requests from journalists for a formal response, NHRC officials declined to comment, fueling public anger and suspicion. Protesters demanded that the Commission issue a statement, launch an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding VDM’s arrest, and ensure his fundamental rights are not violated in custody.

By midday, reports emerged that some protesters had attempted to enter the NHRC compound but were pushed back by security operatives. However, there were no incidents of violence or arrests, a sign that both parties were cautious about the optics of the unfolding demonstration.

The protest also drew responses from well-known public figures. Nigerian musician and activist Folarin Falana, better known as Falz, tweeted his support for the protesters, writing, “When those who speak up are silenced, the rest of us must get louder. #FreeVeryDarkMan.” Other celebrities including comedian Mr. Macaroni and actress Kate Henshaw also lent their voices online, amplifying the calls for justice.

Legal experts have also weighed in on the matter, warning that prolonged detention without trial is a violation of the Nigerian constitution and international human rights treaties to which the country is a signatory. According to Barrister Ifeoma Agu, a constitutional lawyer in Abuja, the police and other security agencies must justify any restriction of liberty with due process.

“The rule of law must prevail. If there are legitimate charges against Mr. Otse, let them be made public and addressed through the courts. Arbitrary detention only erodes public trust and fuels unrest,” she said.

As dusk approached, protesters vowed to maintain a daily presence at the NHRC premises until VDM is released or until they receive a transparent update on his case. Plans for a nationwide solidarity protest are reportedly in motion, with activists in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano pledging to hold simultaneous demonstrations in the coming days.

The unfolding saga marks yet another chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle between citizens demanding transparency and a government often accused of clamping down on criticism. While VDM’s fate remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the spirit of protest, especially among Nigerian youths, is far from extinguished. The National Human Rights Commission now stands at a crossroads — between honoring its mandate or further eroding public confidence by standing aloof in the face of loud, passionate cries for justice.

Watch the video