Activist VeryDarkMan, arrested by the EFCC on Friday, is expected to be released today, a source tells Vanguard, following widespread protests and condemnation of his detention

Activist and social media influencer Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, is expected to be released today, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to Vanguard. The anticipated release follows a wave of public protests and widespread condemnation of his arrest.

Also read: Reaction As Tonto Dikeh Arrest VeryDarkMan

Scores of youths took to the streets of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, yesterday, demonstrating against VDM’s arrest and continued detention.

The protests, which occurred in the Wuse area after the Berger bridge, labeled his arrest and detention as unlawful. Demonstrators also vowed to escalate their grievances to the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in the Maitama district.

The arrest of VeryDarkMan has drawn significant criticism from prominent figures, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, activist Richard Akinnola, Afrobeats superstar Davido, and celebrity barman Cubana Chief Priest, all of whom have condemned his detention.

While the EFCC confirmed that VeryDarkMan has not yet been formally charged in court, a source within the agency informed Vanguard in Abuja yesterday that charges are currently being prepared based on multiple petitions alleging cyberstalking and other related offenses.

The source stated, “I can confirm that as of today, VeryDarkMan has not yet been formally charged in court.

However, charges are currently being prepared based on multiple petitions alleging cyberstalking and related offences. We intend to file these charges in the coming days. Once that is done, you will be among the first to be informed.”

“I can confirm that as of today, VeryDarkMan has not yet been formally charged in court. However, charges are currently being prepared based on multiple petitions alleging cyberstalking and related offences,” a source within the EFCC told Vanguard.

The PDP, through its Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticized the Federal Government’s silence on VDM’s arrest, suggesting that the lack of timely communication fueled the Abuja protests.

Osadolor questioned the over 48-hour delay by the EFCC and the police in clarifying the situation, stating, “Had there been timely communication regarding the reasons for his arrest, I doubt we would have witnessed the current protests.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described VDM’s detention without formal charges as a blatant abuse of power and a troubling sign of political repression. In a statement, Abubakar asserted that the detention violates constitutional rights and reflects a growing authoritarianism.

Richard Akinnola, in a post on his Facebook page, argued that VDM should have been granted bail, noting that his detention had exceeded 24 hours. He emphasized that even those accused of serious crimes are entitled to their rights until proven guilty.

Davido, Cubana Chief Priest, and numerous fans and social media followers of VDM voiced their concerns over his arrest, describing it as an “abduction” and demanding his immediate release.

Davido lauded VDM’s positive impact on ordinary Nigerians and urged authorities to free him. Cubana Chief Priest pleaded for his release, stressing that he should not be unfairly detained.

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also criticized the manner of VDM’s arrest, calling for adherence to legal processes and the protection of fundamental rights, stating that the “display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled abduction.”

While VeryDarkMan is expected to be released today, the EFCC reportedly intends to charge him in court on Thursday, indicating that the legal proceedings in this matter are likely to continue.