Outrage As Police Abduct Popular Nigerian Influencer, VeryDarkMan

 Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), is a Nigerian social media influencer and activist renowned for his outspoken commentary on societal issues. His recent interactions with law enforcement have sparked significant public discourse and concern.

Recent Legal Challenges

In March 2025, an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court issued a bench warrant for VDM's arrest following a criminal defamation case filed by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. The court noted that VDM failed to honor a summons issued earlier that month, leading to the arrest order.

This incident is part of a series of legal challenges VDM has faced. In 2024 alone, he was arrested multiple times on charges including cyberbullying and defamation. One notable arrest in March 2024 was reportedly due to allegations he made against senior police officers, accusing them of misconduct. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned this arrest, suggesting it was an attempt by the police to "teach him a lesson" for his accusations.

Public and Legal Reactions

VDM's arrests have elicited strong reactions from various quarters. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju criticized the police for allegedly misusing their power and called for a focus on public safety rather than personal vendettas. Similarly, Sowore highlighted concerns about the suppression of free speech and the misuse of the Cybercrime Act to detain critics.

In October 2024, VDM faced legal issues for wearing a police uniform in a video, leading to his detention. He later apologized, stating he had no intention of impersonating law enforcement and advised others to seek proper authorization before using such attire . Subsequently, he was granted bail set at ₦2 million, with conditions including restrictions on his social media activities.

Broader Implications

VDM's experiences underscore ongoing tensions in Nigeria regarding freedom of expression and the role of law enforcement. His repeated arrests have raised concerns about the potential misuse of legal provisions to silence dissenting voices. As debates continue, his case remains a focal point in discussions about civil liberties and the boundaries of lawful expression in the country.