VeryDarkMan, EFCC and the War on Free Speech By Arafat A. Abdulrazaq
The arrest of Nigerian social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by unidentified operatives in Abuja last Friday, has ignited a nationwide conversation on the balance between free expression and the rule of law.
As social media users split between demanding his immediate release and defending law enforcement’s right to prosecute, the controversy underscores Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with civil liberties and legal accountability.
According to reports, VDM was picked up shortly after visiting a Guarantee Trust Bank branch to report suspicious deductions from his mother’s account.
Witnesses claim masked agents—possibly from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Department of State Services (DSS)—executed the arrest without publicly identifying themselves, fueling online speculation and criticism.
In response, the EFCC issued a statement noting that VeryDarkMan had been granted administrative bail and is expected to be released soon. The Commission maintained that the arrest is linked to ongoing investigations and is not politically motivated.
This follows earlier claims by VDM in February, where he accused the EFCC of planning his arrest based on materials submitted by a lawyer and a popular influencer, allegedly showing him spraying cash at an event—an action often scrutinized under Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
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Further complicating the narrative, the EFCC had previously invited VDM alongside controversial figure Bobrisky to assist in an investigation into allegations that EFCC officers accepted N15 million to drop money laundering charges against Bobrisky.
The Commission promised a thorough probe into the matter, signaling its intent to clean up its own ranks.
Reactions on social media have been polarized. Supporters of VDM argue that his arrest is an attempt to silence dissent and muzzle free speech, while others insist that no one is above the law, regardless of public popularity or social media influence.
Legal experts emphasize that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it does not exempt individuals from prosecution if they violate criminal statutes such as defamation or cyberbullying.
However, critics of the EFCC’s approach stress the need for due process. Under Nigerian law, a suspect cannot be detained indefinitely without a valid court order. If authorities fail to secure such a warrant, the individual must be released while investigations continue.
The EFCC’s decision to offer bail appears to be a corrective step in line with these legal expectations.
VeryDarkMan, born on April 8, 1994, in Kaduna, has built a reputation for his bold commentaries on governance and social issues. His activism has led to multiple arrests over the years, including a 2024 defamation case tied to a viral exposé.
As the public awaits the next development, the arrest of VDM has once again brought Nigeria’s law enforcement and civil liberties into the spotlight. It presents a crucial test of how the country enforces justice while respecting the rights of its increasingly vocal digital citizens.
As-Sayyidul Arafat Abdulrazaq is a corps member serving with the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), Abuja. He can be reached at: [email protected].
