*Deeone backs police as Davido, Seun Kuti, others demand his release

By Francesca Hangeior

Social media has erupted into a storm of opposing views following the arrest of controversial online activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), with Nigerian influencers and celebrities publicly clashing over the issue.

VeryDarkMan, known for his outspoken commentary on social media, was reportedly arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday.

A source within the EFCC confirms that he was arrested on allegations of cyberstalking.

While comedian Deeone has openly defended the police action, others including Davido, Peter Okoye of P-Square, Seun Kuti, and Tunde Ednut have voiced strong disapproval, calling for his immediate release.

Comedian Deeone stirred controversy after he took to social media to support the arrest of VeryDarkMan, stating that the content creator had long crossed the line with his repeated “attacks and unfounded allegations” against public figures. Deeone accused VeryDarkMan of using activism as a cover for clout-chasing and personal vendettas.

In stark contrast, music superstar Davido shared a cryptic message perceived to be in support of VeryDarkMan.

Davido, lending his voice to the cause in a post on X, expressed appreciation for the support VeryDarkMan has received.

He wrote, “Outside all the noise it’s good to see that the good one does actually impacts lives and people actually appreciate! The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging, makes one want to do more for the masses. FREE MY GUY.”

Similarly, Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, also lent his support in a post on Instagram. He posted three photos of VDM with the caption, #FreeVDM #FreeVeryDarkMan @verydarkblackman.

Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti has also called for the release of social critic VeryDarkMan (VDM), alleging that influential religious leaders and certain financial institutions are behind his ordeal. He accused them of using their power to silence voices that challenge the status quo.

“As Federal government is running our country, all these big pastors dey run Nigeria. The people of God are the ones fighting VDM for speaking the truth,” he said.
Popular blogger and influencer Tunde Ednut amplified support for the detained figure by resharing clips of VeryDarkMan’s past advocacy work, portraying him as a necessary, if controversial, voice in Nigeria’s socio-political space.

Meanwhile, skitmaker Saidaboj, who was once publicly criticised by VeryDarkMan, has remained indifferent, neither supporting nor condemning the arrest.

The polarised reactions underscore the widening fault lines within Nigeria’s influencer community, with growing debates over freedom of speech, defamation, and the limits of online activism.

A prophecy shared by Nigerian pastor Swieve C Christian days before the arrest of social media activist Verydarkman has resurfaced online, sparking widespread reactions.

Verydarkman, known for his outspoken critiques on societal and political issues, was reportedly arrested at the Abuja headquarters of GTBank after accompanying his mother to complain about unauthorised transactions on her account.

The arrest, which allegedly involved the use of force by EFCC operatives, drew immediate public attention and outcry.

In the wake of the incident, screenshots of a Facebook post made by Pastor Swieve on April 22 began circulating on social media. In the post, the cleric appeared to warn the activist about looming trouble if he didn’t act with caution.

The post read:
“A young man known as v d m, if U are not careful, in coming days. The police and situations will make caricature of u. Thread carefully, a snare is by the side.”

Following news of the arrest, Pastor Swieve reshared the prophecy along with a call for prayers.

“Make una pray for my brother oh… no matter what. We don’t play! So stop playing but pray… where are the group of ‘he edited it’?”

The brother of detained activist and social commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM) has raised concerns about his condition following his recent arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Recall VDM was taken into custody after visiting a GTBank branch with his mother to report unexplained deductions from her bank account. The arrest, which reportedly occurred on the bank premises, has stirred significant reactions online.

In a recent video shared on Instagram, VDM’s brother claimed the activist and an associate sustained severe injuries during the arrest and have since been denied medical care.

He expressed frustration that all attempts to secure their release have so far been unsuccessful.

“We’ve followed all the right procedures, yet they won’t release VDM or even allow him and his friend to get medical treatment. We’ve been told they were seriously hurt,” he said.

He also questioned the intention behind the arrest, stating, “I don’t know what agenda the EFCC has against VDM, but this won’t end quietly. Both GTBank and the EFCC know what’s coming.”

As of the time of this report, neither the EFCC nor GTBank has made any public comment on the situation.