Davido, Cubana Chief Priest, others condemn arrest of socialite activist ‘VeryDarkMan’

…Reps Minority Cacaus demand immediate release

 

Afrobeat superstar Davido, celebrity bar man, Cubana Chief Priest and other Nigerians have condemned the arrest of social media influencer and activist, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan(VDM).

The celebrities and fans of VDM said his arrest was carried out like an “abduction”, which left many Nigerians worried, and therefore demand his release.

VDM was reportedly arrested on Friday at a bank branch in the Wuse area of Abuja by a combined team of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives.

According to media reports, EFCC has secured a court order to remand him pending the conclusion of an investigation into alleged cybercrime offences.

However, his arrest has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with the hashtag #FreeVDM, trending across different platforms.

According to the celebrities and fans, it is impossible to distinguish between legitimate arrest and unlawful abduction of the embattled socialite.

In a post on X, Davido extolled VDM’s positive impact on the lives of common Nigerians and urged relevant authorities to release him.

He wrote, “Outside all the noise it’s good to see that the good one does actually impacts lives and Pple actually appreciate!

“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!!!”.

Fans, especially social media follower, of VDM have also expressed worries over the development.

@ibrahimazeez21:“Exactly what Nigeria needs to get better, we need the voices of strong men like you chief priest , your 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 very dark man fit 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 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.

“VDM’s voice clearly resonates with many, and seeing that solidarity reminds us that integrity and courage still matter.

The momentum can be a spark for even bigger change”

Earlier, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, in a post on his X page (formerly Twitter), also criticised the manner VDM was arrested.

He, therefore, called for increased adherence to legal processes and the protection of fundamental rights.

“The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled abduction, a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements.

“If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.”

 

Reps’ Minority Caucus demands immediate release of VDM

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has condemned the arrest and continued detention of social campaigner and activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement jointly signed by the HoR caucus leaders, Rep Kingsley Chinda, Leader, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali. Isa J.C Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki., Deputy Minority Leader,,Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
Deputy Minority Whip, the opposition leaders said: “The disturbing trend of security and law enforcement agencies deploying their powers arbitrarily against citizens exercising their rights to free expression poses grave threats to our democracy.

“We must state clearly that such acts, cloaked in the guise of enforcement, erode public confidence in the rule of law and undermine the principles of accountability and transparency.

The caucus added that: “The arrest of Mr. Otse which reportedly took place without the issuance of a warrant is a direct violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) that guarantees the liberty of the citizen except in accordance with the due process of law. Sections 35(1) and 35(3) of the Constitution stipulate the conditions under which a person may be deprived of their liberty and require that any person arrested must be informed promptly of the reasons for their arrest and any charges against them.
“The EFCC, like every other agency of government, is bound by these constitutional provisions and must not act outside their bounds.
“Moreover, the continued detention of Mr. Otse beyond the constitutionally permissible period of 24 to 48 hours without being charged to court is not only an abuse of power, it is also a blatant affront to the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.
“The Constitution, under Section 35(4), provides that a person who is arrested or detained must be brought before a court of law within a reasonable time, which, in the case of an arrest without a warrant, shall not exceed two days.

“Any deviation from this is a breach of the citizen’s fundamental rights and a descent into lawlessness.
“As the voice of the opposition in the National Assembly, the Minority Caucus calls on the EFCC to immediately release Mr. Otse or charge him to court in accordance with the law.
“Arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions of citizens for expressing dissenting or unpopular views must have no place in a democratic society.

“The preservation of liberty, due process, and respect for constitutional rights remain the bedrock of our republic. “We will not stand idly by while state agencies abuse their powers to suppress voices that challenge the status quo in line with the laws”.