The recent arrest of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s socio-political and entertainment spheres.
His sudden detention sparked widespread concern among civil rights advocates, political observers, and the general public. More significantly, a growing number of influential Nigerian celebrities and public personalities came forward to condemn the arrest, described it as an abuse of power and a grave violation of fundamental human rights.
The Events Leading to the Arrest
According to multiple reports and eyewitness accounts, VeryDarkMan was arrested on Thursday, May 2, 2025, by masked operatives of the EFCC shortly after visiting a branch of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) in Abuja. It was gathered that he had accompanied his mother to the bank to lodge a formal complaint regarding unexplained deductions from her account. Shortly after exiting the bank premises, VDM was reportedly accosted by EFCC officers and taken away under circumstances that many observers have described as ambiguous and excessive.
Eyewitnesses have raised alarm about the manner in which the arrest was conducted, alleging that the officers acted aggressively and failed to provide any formal warrant or justification for the arrest. Even more troubling are allegations that the activist was manhandled and threatened in the presence of his mother, who was said to be visibly distressed by the ordeal.
Celebrity Solidarity: A United Call for Justice
Within hours of the news of his arrest breaking, several celebrities, entertainers, and public figures began to voice their outrage and call for VDM’s immediate release. Their reactions reflect not only support for the man himself but also broader concerns about freedom of speech and the apparent weaponization of state institutions.
1. Davido (David Adeleke):
The Grammy-nominated artist and philanthropist took to his social media platforms to express support for VDM. On X (formerly Twitter), Davido praised the activist’s courage and wrote:
“The support I’m seeing for VDM is inspiring. Makes you want to do more for the people. FREE MY GUY.”
His post quickly went viral and became a rallying cry for many of his fans and followers.
2. Peter Obi:
The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections condemned the arrest in strong terms, referring to it as an abduction. Obi warned that such actions by state agencies erode public trust and threaten Nigeria’s democratic values.
3. Seun Kuti:
The son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti and an outspoken activist in his own right, Seun Kuti suggested that high-ranking religious leaders and financial executives were behind VDM’s arrest. According to him, VDM had stepped on powerful toes and was now paying the price for daring to speak truth to power.
4. Peter Okoye (Mr. P):
The award-winning singer and half of the iconic music duo P-Square showed solidarity by posting VDM’s photo with the hashtags #FreeVDM and #FreeVeryDarkMan. He also urged fellow entertainers to use their platforms to advocate for justice.
5. Tunde Ednut:
Social media influencer and blogger Tunde Ednut played a critical role in spreading awareness about the arrest. He reposted clips of VDM’s most impactful work, highlighting the activist’s history of standing up for the voiceless and challenging corrupt systems.
6. Rita Edochie:
Veteran actress and social commentator Rita Edochie called the arrest unjust and appealed to the EFCC to remember the constitutional rights of all citizens. She emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford to criminalize activism.
7. Eedris Abdulkareem:
The legendary rapper known for his politically conscious music added his voice to the growing list of celebrities speaking out, calling the arrest a “shameful display of tyranny.”
International Concern and Diaspora Involvement
Interestingly, the call for VDM’s release has not been limited to Nigeria. Members of the Nigerian diaspora and even foreign nationals have begun to express concern over what they view as a miscarriage of justice.
Ross Boss, a Chinese businessman and close ally of VDM, posted a heartfelt video recounting how VDM once intervened to help him recover money lost to a scammer. He described VDM as a “man of integrity” and urged Nigerian authorities to release him without delay.
Another foreign-based supporter, a U.S.-based woman popularly known online as “Mama with the Big Bag,” released a fiery video, warning that if VDM was not released by May 5, she would ensure that the issue gained international attention. Her video gained significant traction on social media, intensifying global interest in the case.
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