Voices Beyond Borders: Peaceful Protests Erupt Abroad Over Arrest of Nigerian Activist VeryDarkMan [VIDEO]

 

UK-Based Nigerians Join Global Calls for Release of VeryDarkMan Amid Mounting Tensions Over Arrest

The arrest of prominent Nigerian social media influencer and outspoken human rights advocate Martins Vincent Otse—popularly known as VeryDarkMan—has triggered widespread condemnation and protest, extending far beyond Nigeria’s borders. A fresh wave of international attention was drawn after a video surfaced online showing UK-based Nigerians staging a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with the embattled activist, calling for his immediate release.

The video, now viral across various platforms, captures impassioned protesters gathered outside a significant location in the United Kingdom, waving placards and chanting slogans that demand justice and transparency. Many of the demonstrators were draped in Nigerian flags or wore black clothing as a symbolic nod to the social justice causes VeryDarkMan has long championed.

This latest protest adds an international dimension to the already escalating domestic unrest sparked by Otse’s arrest. Back home, several cities in Nigeria have witnessed growing numbers of demonstrators pouring onto the streets, voicing their frustration and concern over what they describe as a targeted attack on free speech and civic activism.

Eyewitnesses at the scene of the UK protest described the atmosphere as solemn but resolute. Protesters, many of whom identified as members of the Nigerian diaspora, said they were compelled to speak out due to their concern over the shrinking space for dissent in Nigeria. Some shared personal stories about how VeryDarkMan’s advocacy had inspired them or their families to take action against societal ills.

“It’s not just about him as a person. It’s about what he represents,” said Kemi Adebayo, a healthcare worker based in Manchester who traveled to London for the protest. “VeryDarkMan speaks for the voiceless, and now his voice is being silenced. That’s why we’re here—to make sure the world knows we’re watching.”

Otse was apprehended days earlier in what sources describe as a joint sting operation involving operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). The arrest reportedly took place at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch, although the specific circumstances and charges remain murky. Authorities have so far not issued a detailed statement, further fueling suspicion and speculation.

Online, the response has been just as fervent. The hashtag #FreeVeryDarkMan has been trending on multiple social media platforms, with celebrities, civil society groups, and legal experts weighing in on what many believe is an overreach by security agencies. Some have likened the arrest to a deliberate move to intimidate critics and stifle voices that challenge the status quo.

VeryDarkMan rose to prominence through social media channels, gaining a large following for his bold and unfiltered takes on issues ranging from government accountability and corruption to sexual violence and mental health. His videos, often delivered in a confrontational yet impassioned style, have made him a polarizing figure—loved by many for his courage, criticized by others for his brash tone.

Despite the controversies that have occasionally surrounded him, Otse's influence is undeniable. His ability to mobilize young people and stir public discourse has made him both a digital-era icon and a thorn in the side of powerful institutions. That his arrest has now sparked a transnational response only underlines the scope of his impact.

For many supporters, the silence of the Nigerian government regarding the details of the arrest is as troubling as the arrest itself. Legal experts have begun raising alarms over potential violations of due process, noting that even high-profile individuals are entitled to basic legal protections.

“This is a test case for civil liberties in Nigeria,” said Barrister Tunji Olagunju, a human rights lawyer based in Abuja. “If the government can detain someone so publicly without offering clear reasons, it sends a chilling message to every other activist, journalist, or concerned citizen.”

At the heart of the protests lies a broader question: Who holds power to account when institutions seem to close ranks? For many young Nigerians—especially those who feel disenfranchised by the political and economic systems—VeryDarkMan represents more than just a social media personality. He embodies a raw, unfiltered demand for justice that resonates deeply with a generation seeking change.

The demonstration in the UK underscores the diasporic reach of that message. Far from home, these Nigerians are not only protesting an arrest—they are defending a movement. The chants that echoed across city streets in London this week carried with them the frustrations of millions and a desire for a better future that transcends national boundaries.

As more details about the arrest emerge—or fail to—the pressure on Nigerian authorities to respond transparently is likely to increase. For now, one thing is clear: the world is watching, and the voice of VeryDarkMan, even in his absence, continues to inspire action.