Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest and continued detention of social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, (VDM) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He described the incident as a “blatant abuse of power by the current administration,” highlighting a troubling trend of political repression in the country.
In a statement yesterday, Abubakar emphasised that VDM’s detention without formal charges constitutes a violation of constitutional rights and serves as a chilling reminder of the growing authoritarianism under the present government.
“This latest episode is part of a disturbing pattern: the Tinubu regime’s relentless assault on the fundamental freedoms of Nigerians,” he stated.
Abubakar criticised the government’s actions, warning that “we must not allow state-sponsored repression to become the defining character of our democracy.”
He argued that such moves amount to a systematic crackdown on dissenting voices, particularly those who challenge the ruling regime.
He called on Nigerians to resist what he termed ‘state-sponsored repression,’ warning that it poses a grave threat to the very foundations of democracy in the country.
HOWEVER, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has offered reasons for VDM’s arrest and detention, stating it was due to multiple petitions filed against him.
The clarification comes, just as sources close to the investigation disclosed that the commission had secured a court order to remand the activist pending the conclusion of an investigation into alleged cybercrime offences.
A top official confirmed that the anti-graft agency is preparing to file charges under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, which empowers the commission to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes, particularly those involving financial and economic crimes.
EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed yesterday in Abuja that the activist was detained in response to complaints from several individuals.
“We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners,” he said.
Oyewale also indicated that the commission intends to arraign the social media activist.
“We will release him when he meets the bail conditions, and we will take the case to court as soon as possible. We are law-abiding,” he added.
