Nigerian social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested, which fueled a national controversy regarding the limits of justice and intimidation within the political and judicial climate of Nigeria.
VDM, who is well-known for his outspoken criticisms of public individuals and organizations, was arrested on 2nd May, 2025, by EFCC operatives a minute after he made a complaint at a Guaranty Trust Bank office in Abuja about unauthorized debits from his mother’s account. EFCC is yet to make any charges against him public, prompting concerns over the sincerity and reason for his arrest.
Human rights attorney Femi Falana, SAN, who once sued VDM for defamation over claims made about cross-dresser Bobrisky, has stepped into the ongoing saga. Falana is said to have called the EFCC to question the legality of VDM’s arrest and detention, making a remarkable turn from antagonist to protagonist in this situation.
Falana and his son, Folarin (better known as Falz), had their case of defamation struck out by a Lagos High Court in April 2025 on procedural grounds, which included the non-appearance of the parties and the presence of contending applications before the court.
The arrest of VDM has caused public outcry, as political leaders, celebrities, and activists, among them Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have criticized the EFCC for the move. Obi said the arrest resembled a kidnap, given the high-handedness and secrecy.
Legal experts have condemned how the EFCC has handled the matter, that the commission’s actions contravene due process and the rights of the accused. Human rights attorney Maduabuchi Idam made it very clear that no Nigerian, not even VDM, should be intimidated or harassed for holding opposite views.
The VDM case foregrounds the conflict between individual rights and state power in Nigeria, and it poses fundamental questions regarding the role of legal processes in suppressing opposition and the need to maintain the rule of law in a democratic state.
Although he was released on the 8th of May 2025, and the EFCC claimed that they have the right to arrest him, however, there is no press release on his offence, which initiated the critical question in the heart of many: ” What was the reason behind his arrest? What is EFCC trying to hide? Nigerians have not gotten answers, but Veegil hopes we all live in a country where our voices are not silenced, and we do not suffer injustice.
