The Nigerian internet space has exploded into heated arguments as the controversial arrest of Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), pits influencers and celebrities against each other.
The tension online is palpable as freedom of speech, online activism, and the battle against perceived injustice take center stage.
Who Is VeryDarkMan and Why Was He Arrested?
Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has built a reputation as a fearless social commentator who doesn’t shy away from controversial issues.
He often tackles sensitive topics such as corruption, hypocrisy among public figures, and societal injustice in Nigeria.
However, his vocal approach seems to have landed him in trouble with the authorities.
On Friday, reports surfaced that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arrested him.
According to an insider at the agency, VDM was picked up on allegations of cyberstalking, though full details remain scarce.
While many Nigerians were still trying to piece together the events that led to the arrest, a storm of reactions erupted across social media platforms.
Deeone: The Comedian Who Backed the Police
Popular comedian Deeone became one of the first public figures to defend the arrest.
In a now-viral post, he commended the EFCC’s action, stating that VeryDarkMan had taken things too far with his constant accusations and social media call-outs.
“He hides under activism to chase clout. He has insulted people for too long. Finally, karma is knocking,” Deeone wrote.
The comedian further alleged that VDM had turned activism into a personal tool to wage vendettas against public figures who disagree with him.
According to Deeone, it was only a matter of time before the law caught up with him.
But this position did not go down well with many Nigerians, especially fans of VeryDarkMan who believe he is simply speaking truth to power.
Davido: “Free My Guy”
In what appeared to be a cryptic yet powerful show of support, music superstar https://x.com/davido
took to platform X (formerly Twitter) to lend his voice to the growing calls for VeryDarkMan’s release.
“Outside all the noise, it’s good to see that the good one does actually impacts lives… The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging, makes one want to do more for the masses. FREE MY GUY,” Davido posted.
The message sent a strong wave of solidarity among his fans, many of whom reposted the hashtag #FreeVDM.
For many, Davido’s statement was more than just words it was a call to action.
Mr. P of P-Square Joins the Movement
Adding his weight to the growing resistance against the arrest, Peter Okoye, better known as Mr. P, posted images of VDM on Instagram with the caption:
“#FreeVDM ✊🏾🙅🏽♂️⛓️#FreeVeryDarkMan @verydarkblackman.”
The post gathered thousands of likes and comments within hours, with supporters praising the singer for not remaining silent in the face of injustice.
Seun Kuti’s Explosive Allegations
Afrobeat musician and outspoken activist Seun Kutio the growing calls for VeryDarkMan’s release.
“Outside all the noise, it’s good to see that the good one does actually impacts lives… The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging, makes one want to do more for the masses. FREE MY GUY,” Davido posted.
The message sent a strong wave of solidarity among his fans, many of whom reposted the hashtag #FreeVDM.
For many, Davido’s statement was more than just words it was a call to action.
Mr. P of P-Square Joins the Movement
Adding his weight to the growing resistance against the arrest, Peter Okoye, better known as Mr. P, posted images of VDM on Instagram with the caption:
“#FreeVDM ✊🏾🙅🏽♂️⛓️#FreeVeryDarkMan @verydarkblackman.”
The post gathered thousands of likes and comments within hours, with supporters praising the singer for not remaining silent in the face of injustice.
Seun Kuti’s Explosive Allegations
Afrobeat musician and outspoken activist Seun Kuti didn’t mince words in his own reaction.
He suggested that VeryDarkMan’s arrest was orchestrated by powerful individuals threatened by his boldness.
“As Federal government is running our country, all these big pastors dey run Nigeria.
The people of God are the ones fighting VDM for speaking the truth,” Seun said in a video message.
Seun alleged that certain religious leaders and financial institutions are behind the arrest, using their influence to clamp down on voices that challenge the status quo.
This explosive claim further fueled debates on social media, with many questioning whether Nigeria’s freedom of speech is genuinely protected.
Tunde Ednut: Amplifying VDM’s Voice
Popular social media influencer Tunde Ednut also weighed in by resharing multiple clips of VeryDarkMan’s past commentaries and advocacy work.
He painted VDM as a necessary, albeit controversial, voice in the country’s socio-political environment.
Through his platform which reaches millions daily Tunde reminded Nigerians of the issues VDM has consistently raised, ranging from injustice to fraud and systemic corruption.
Skitmaker Saidaboj Keeps Mum
In the midst of the raging storm, skitmaker Saidaboj, who was previously criticized by VeryDarkMan, chose silence.
He neither condemned nor supported the arrest, a decision some saw as diplomatic while others criticized it as cowardly.
His silence has sparked mixed reactions, especially from fans expecting him to either defend his past critic or uphold the right to free speech, regardless of personal grievances.
Freedom of Speech or Defamation? The Broader Debate
VeryDarkMan’s arrest has reignited age-old debates around freedom of expression, defamation, and the boundaries of activism in Nigeria.
While some agree that the activist may have crossed the line in his unfiltered approach, others insist he’s a hero who uses his platform to expose societal wrongs that others fear to speak on.
Can activism coexist with social responsibility in Nigeria’s digital space? That’s the question many are now asking.
Influencer Community Now Divided
The incident has created a rift in Nigeria’s entertainment and influencer community.
What used to be a loosely united front of creatives now appears deeply split, with debates turning bitter and personal in some cases.
The division reflects broader societal tensions, especially among young Nigerians who feel that systemic oppression is silencing voices of truth and change.
Public Reaction: Nigerians Split Down the Middle
On X, Instagram, and TikTok, Nigerians have not held back. While some commend the EFCC for “finally acting,” others argue the arrest is politically motivated and dangerous for freedom of expression.
Popular hashtags such as #FreeVDM, #JusticeForVeryDarkMan, and #ActivismIsNotACrime have trended across platforms, further proving that this incident has struck a chord.
What Legal Experts Are Saying
Legal minds are also stepping in. According to Lagos-based lawyer Barr. Abdulrahman Ahmed, cyberstalking charges can be ambiguous and easily abused in Nigeria’s legal system.
“We must ensure that laws meant to protect citizens are not turned into tools to suppress dissent,” he warned.
He urged civil society organizations to monitor the case closely and advocate for transparent legal proceedings.
Human Rights Groups Step In
Prominent advocacy group HURIWA (Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria) has condemned the arrest, calling it an attempt to gag public opinion.
In a strongly worded statement, they urged the EFCC to stop acting like an “internet police force” and instead focus on its core mandate of investigating financial crimes.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
At the heart of the VeryDarkManVeryDarkMan controversy lies a deeper struggle: Can Nigeria tolerate outspoken citizens in the digital age?
The outcome of this case could set a dangerous precedent for how dissent is treated moving forward.
Activists, influencers, and ordinary citizens alike are watching closely. For many, this is no longer just about VDM it’s about the future of online freedom in Nigeria.
Final Thoughts: A Nation at a Crossroads
Whether one agrees with VeryDarkMan’s methods or not, his arrest has undeniably sparked important national conversations.
From defamation laws to the role of activism, Nigeria finds itself at a digital and democratic crossroads.
Will the government listen to the people, or continue clamping down on controversial voices?
Only time will tell.
What’s your take on VeryDarkMan’s arrest? Do you think influencers should face legal action for their statements online, or is this a suppression of free speech?
Drop your comments below, share this article, and follow NIGPOST for the latest updates on this developing story.
Author: Musa Salihu
Date: May 5, 2025
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