Youths Storm Abuja Streets Demanding Immediate Release of Influencer VeryDarkMan [MORE VIDEOS]

 

Tension flared in Nigeria’s capital on Sunday as a growing number of young citizens poured into the streets of Abuja to protest the arrest of popular social media figure and activist, Martins Otse, widely known by his online moniker, VeryDarkMan (VDM). The arrest, which was carried out by the Nigeria Police Force, has stirred a wave of unrest, especially among youth who view the influencer as a bold voice against societal injustice and corruption.

Crowds of demonstrators gathered in the Jabi district, specifically at the junction leading to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Their chants echoed through the air, drawing attention from passersby, motorists, and security officials alike. "He’s not a thief, now VDM has blocked the road, release VDM!" they cried in unison, creating a charged atmosphere that underscored the gravity of their message.

Placards painted with defiant slogans like “Freedom for VDM,” “Activism is not a crime,” and “We are VDM” were waved high by the determined crowd. Protesters, mainly young men and women, expressed deep frustration over what they see as yet another case of state machinery being used to silence outspoken critics of the system.

Martins Otse, whose online presence has drawn massive followership and stirred public debate on issues ranging from politics and corruption to social injustice and youth empowerment, was arrested recently in Abuja. As of the time of this report, specifics surrounding the circumstances of his arrest remain unclear. Neither the police nor Otse’s legal representatives have released an official statement detailing the charges or reasons behind the sudden apprehension.

Eyewitnesses at the protest site described a scene of unity and anger. One young demonstrator, who identified himself only as Joseph, told reporters, “VeryDarkMan is one of the few people who speak the truth without fear. His arrest is an attempt to shut up a voice that has awakened thousands. We won’t just fold our arms and watch that happen.”

Another protester, a woman in her twenties who gave her name as Zainab, carried a placard that read: “The youth are watching.” She said, “This is not about just one person. It’s about the pattern. When someone becomes a voice for the people, they suddenly become an enemy of the state. This has to stop.”

The activist's notoriety stems from his often unapologetic stance on national issues, his willingness to challenge authorities publicly, and his fearless exposure of what he perceives to be systemic failures in governance and law enforcement. While this has earned him admirers across Nigeria’s digital space, it has also drawn criticism from political figures and government loyalists.

Unverified reports suggest that Otse’s recent social media activity may have played a role in the decision to detain him, though the police are yet to clarify. Attempts to reach officials from the Nigeria Police Force for comment have so far been unsuccessful.

Security personnel deployed to the protest area appeared cautious, maintaining a perimeter but refraining from engaging directly with the crowd. Officers observed the situation while patrol vehicles parked strategically near the EFCC building stood as a reminder of the volatile nature of protest gatherings in Nigeria’s capital.

Legal experts have weighed in on the situation, warning that arbitrary or unexplained arrests of prominent public figures may only inflame public tensions and erode trust in the justice system. According to Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Chuka Adebayo, “If the authorities believe Mr. Otse has committed a crime, they are obliged to follow due process, including publicly disclosing the allegations and ensuring he has access to legal counsel. Secrecy and silence only breed suspicion and public unrest.”

Social media platforms have also become battlegrounds of support and outrage, with hashtags such as #FreeVDM, #JusticeForVeryDarkMan, and #EndSilencingVoices trending across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Users shared videos from the protest and voiced solidarity with the detained influencer.

The protest in Abuja appears to be only the beginning of a broader outcry. Activist groups across other cities, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Benin, are reportedly mobilizing similar demonstrations. National youth coalitions have begun circulating calls for sustained action until Otse is either released or formally charged in a transparent and fair manner.

For many of the protesters, this movement goes beyond Martins Otse as an individual. It represents the larger frustrations of a generation that feels unheard and marginalized, even as they seek platforms and leaders who reflect their values and amplify their voices. The growing support for Otse and the protest movement signals a turning point in the country’s digital activism scene, where the lines between online influence and real-world mobilization are becoming increasingly blurred.

As night fell over Abuja, the protesters showed no signs of backing down. Their chants continued, their signs remained aloft, and their message rang clear: a call for justice, transparency, and the immediate release of VeryDarkMan.