Davido, Skales, Cubana Chief Priest, Others Demand Release of VeryDarkMan Amid Growing Outrage
Popular Nigerian celebrities, including Davido, Skales, and Cubana Chief Priest, have joined a rising number of voices calling for the immediate release of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). His arrest by a combined team of EFCC operatives, DSS agents, and police officers has sparked nationwide outrage and intensified calls for justice.
VDM was reportedly arrested shortly after exiting a bank in Wuse, Abuja, based on a court warrant tied to multiple allegations of cyberstalking. Eyewitnesses claim the arrest was carried out in an aggressive, abduction-like manner, prompting many Nigerians to question the legality and transparency of the process.
The hashtag #FreeVDM has since trended across social media platforms, as fans and supporters express concern over what they describe as a violation of the activist’s rights.
Davido, taking to his X handle, praised VDM’s contributions to the public and condemned the way he was picked up. He eulogized VDM’s positive impact on the lives of common Nigerians and implored relevant authorities to release him.
He wrote, “Outside all the noise, it’s good to see that the good one does actually impact lives and people actually appreciate it!
“The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging… makes one want to do more for the masses FREE MY GUY.”
Cubana Chief Priest, in a post on his Instagram page, pleaded with the police to free the social media influencer right away, stressing that he should not be unfairly detained.
“We Just Dey Fake Happiness @verydarkblackman Our Man Is Missing. We Are Hopeful He Regains Freedom Today Or A Press Release From The People That Abducted Him.
“Joy No Dey The Voice Of The Voiceless Is Missing, The Hope Of The Hopeless Is Nowhere To Be Found. Peace Dey Cry, Street Dey Call.
For FreeVDM Now!!!”.
Skales also urged the youths to wise up and stand for their rights. He urged Nigerian youths to boycott GTB.
“Nigerian youths wise up !!! Stand together for your right … this is not a time to troll or be against each other … what is going on is serious … tomorrow fit be your turn … lastly GTBank should be a bank you as a youth should stay away from with passion … stay bless me I don go hustle,” he wrote on his 𝕏 handle.
Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, criticised the arrest as lacking transparency and resembling an abduction.
“The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled abduction. If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we lose a vital layer of national security,” he warned.
Supporters online described VDM as a vital voice in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, with many urging authorities to protect rather than silence those who challenge the system.
@ibrahimazeez21: “Exactly what Nigeria needs to get better, we need the voices of strong men like you, chief priest, you’re always loved, thank you …. CP no small”
@orife_orife: “Now the world will see why you and David deserve all the love. Where them way dey claim top spot dey. Thank you, eze-mmuo”
@supernickky_musik: “If a very dark man fits, miss, then freedom of speech is not truly guaranteed here. Common man no safe again ”
@bigHotbaby1:” EFCC and these politicians really need to focus on the right things! There’s real corruption going on, and lives are being affected, and more!!! They should focus on important issues. Free VDM”
@X_apprendre: “It’s truly inspiring when someone stands up for what’s right, and the people rally behind them.
“If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.”
As public pressure mounts, VDM’s legal team continues to push for his release while the EFCC insists the arrest was lawful and based on several valid petitions.
By Ezinne Okorie.