Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the arrest of popular social media activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing it as a disturbing abuse of power.
The EFCC had confirmed that VeryDarkMan was arrested following several petitions related to alleged cyberstalking.
His continued detention has triggered youth-led protests across Abuja, with demonstrators demanding his release.
Reacting via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Atiku accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of using federal agencies to suppress critics and opposition voices.
“The arrest and continued detention of social media influencer and outspoken critic, Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is yet another blatant abuse of power by the Tinubu administration, which has made political repression a hallmark of its rule,” Atiku said.
He condemned the fact that VDM remains in custody without formal charges, calling it a “flagrant violation” of his constitutional rights and a sign of increasing authoritarianism under the current regime.
“Even more alarming is the fact that Mr. Otse remains in custody without any formal charges is a flagrant violation of his constitutional rights and a chilling reminder of the growing authoritarianism under this government,” he added.
“This latest episode is part of a disturbing pattern: the Tinubu regime’s relentless assault on the fundamental freedoms of Nigerians, particularly those who dare to speak truth to power or align with the political opposition.”
“We must not allow state-sponsored repression to become the defining character of our democracy.”
Atiku further criticized what he described as the administration’s selective justice, noting that while outspoken critics are quickly targeted, political allies with corruption allegations face no consequences.
“The Tinubu administration’s systematic crackdown on opposition voices is nothing short of disgraceful. It is an affront to democratic norms and must be fiercely condemned and resisted,” he said.
