#FreeVDM: Peter Obi, Davido, Cubana Chief Priest Lead Outcry Over Arrest of Social Media Firebrand ‘VeryDarkMan’
The arrest of outspoken social media influencer and activist, Martins Otse—popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM)—has ignited a firestorm of reactions from across Nigeria’s entertainment, political, and civic landscapes. Leading voices such as former presidential candidate Peter Obi, Afrobeats sensation Davido, nightlife impresario Cubana Chief Priest, and thousands of VDM’s online supporters are raising alarm over what many describe as a disturbing display of state overreach.
A Viral Clampdown or A Misstep in Due Process?
VDM was reportedly apprehended on Friday at a bank in Wuse, Abuja, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC claims to have obtained a court order to detain him pending investigations into alleged cybercrime offences. However, the details of the charges remain vague, fueling speculation and concern about the real motive behind his detention.
What has amplified the outrage is the reported manner of his arrest, described by many eyewitnesses and critics as “abduction-like.” The ambiguity surrounding the procedure has struck a nerve, especially in a nation where concerns about abuse of power and suppression of dissent are ever-present.
Social Media Erupts: #FreeVDM Goes Viral
The hashtag #FreeVDM has since gained momentum, trending across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Nigerians across social and political divides are uniting in a rare show of solidarity, urging authorities to release the controversial but widely followed figure who has become a voice of defiance against hypocrisy, celebrity excess, and societal double standards.
Music superstar Davido, who commands a massive online following, posted a passionate statement:
“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.”
Celebrity bar man Cubana Chief Priest echoed similar sentiments in an emotional Instagram post:
“Joy no dey. The voice of the voiceless is missing. The hope of the hopeless is nowhere to be found. Peace dey cry, street dey call. For #FreeVDM Now!!!”
Fans and Netizens Speak Truth to Power
VDM’s fiercely loyal digital community is not holding back. Social media timelines have been flooded with messages questioning the government’s priorities, condemning the silencing of dissenting voices, and calling out institutional double standards.
A user, @supernickky_musik, summed up a growing sentiment:
“If Very Dark Man fit miss then freedom of speech is not truly guaranteed here. Common man no safe again.”
Another user, @X_apprendre, wrote:
“It’s truly inspiring when someone stands up for what’s right and the people rally behind them. VDM’s voice clearly resonates with many… seeing that solidarity reminds us that integrity and courage still matter.”
Peter Obi’s Rebuke
Adding a deeply political undertone to the saga, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi weighed in with a strongly worded critique of the EFCC’s tactics.
“The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled abduction… If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability,” Obi warned on X.
His comments underscore growing fears about the erosion of civil liberties and the dangerous precedent that the blurred line between legal enforcement and brute silencing may set in Nigeria’s already fragile democracy.
The VDM Phenomenon: A Voice That Disrupts
VDM is not your typical influencer. Known for his provocative commentary, blunt takes, and moral policing of celebrity culture, he has ruffled many feathers—but he has also earned a reputation as an unfiltered voice of the streets. His videos often dissect societal decay, hypocrisy in high places, and the moral failings of Nigeria’s elite class.
His fanbase sees him as a rare digital crusader who speaks truth without fear—a refreshing contrast to the often sanitized, self-serving narratives from mainstream media and celebrity influencers.
The Bigger Picture: Freedom of Expression Under Fire?
The arrest of VeryDarkMan—especially given the shadowy manner in which it was carried out—raises a pivotal question: Is Nigeria witnessing a chilling new phase in the war against free speech? As the EFCC continues its investigation, the government must be reminded that the world is watching.
In a country where institutional credibility is under scrutiny and civic distrust is at an all-time high, the optics of targeting a popular critic can only backfire—unless handled with transparency, fairness, and a commitment to constitutional rights.
BRANDECONOMY will continue to monitor developments in the #FreeVDM saga as Nigerians—and the world—await answers.
