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Nigeria’s Former VP Condemns Arrest of Social Media Influencer, Citing Abuse of Power

In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, Nigerian social media influencer Martins Otse, known to his followers as VeryDarkMan, was taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of cyberstalking. The arrest has been met with fierce criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has accused the current administration of abusing its power.

According to Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s spokesman, VeryDarkMan’s arrest was prompted by petitions from several individuals. However, the influencer’s detention without formal charges has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles. Youths in Abuja have taken to the streets in protest, demanding his release and an end to what they see as a blatant attempt to silence opposition voices.

Atiku Abubakar, in a statement posted on social media, condemned the arrest, saying it was "yet another blatant abuse of power by the Tinubu administration, which has made political repression a hallmark of its rule." He expressed alarm that VeryDarkMan remains in custody without formal charges, citing this as a "flagrant violation of his constitutional rights and a chilling reminder of the growing authoritarianism under this government."

The former VP also highlighted the discrepancy in how the government treats its critics versus its loyalists. "While security agencies are quick to target critics, often in complete disregard of due process, political loyalists with credible allegations of corruption walk free, trading sycophancy for immunity," he noted. Atiku emphasized that the Tinubu administration’s crackdown on opposition voices is "nothing short of disgraceful" and "an affront to democratic norms."

As the situation continues to unfold, concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria are growing. The international community is watching closely, and many are calling for the Nigerian government to respect the fundamental freedoms of its citizens, including the right to free speech and a fair trial. In a country where social media has become a powerful tool for expression and dissent, the arrest of VeryDarkMan has sent a chilling message to those who dare to speak truth to power. As Atiku Abubakar aptly put it, "We must not allow state-sponsored repression to become the defining character of our democracy."