Atiku Slams Tinubu Administration Over Detention of VeryDarkMan, Alleges Rising Authoritarianism

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised the Bola Tinubu-led administration over the continued detention of social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, Atiku described the incident as a blatant abuse of power and a violation of constitutional rights, warning that Nigeria’s democracy was at risk of descending into authoritarian rule.

“The arrest and continued detention of Mr. Otse, without any formal charges, is a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights. It sends a chilling signal to other Nigerians who dare to speak truth to power,” Atiku said.

He accused the administration of targeting dissenters while turning a blind eye to its political loyalists facing corruption allegations.

“This is yet another example of how political repression has become a hallmark of the Tinubu regime. State-sponsored intimidation must not become the defining character of our democracy,” he added.

Nationwide Protests Erupt
Atiku’s statement came as youths gathered in Abuja to protest the influencer’s detention. Protesters converged at the headquarters of Guaranty Trust Bank, chanting “#FreeVDM” and carrying placards reading, “Activism is not a sin” and “VDM is the masses’ liberator.”

In Edo State, a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) also staged demonstrations following the arrest of two human rights activists, Kola Edokpayi and Hadson Oracle, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The duo was reportedly arrested after planning a peaceful solidarity march for Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré, which was cancelled following police intervention. Despite assurances from the DSS of their release, both men have remained in detention since April 30, sparking public outcry.

Legal Concerns Mount
In a joint statement, the CSO coalition led by Rev. David Ugolor and Abraham Oviawe criticised the DSS for breaching its promise and allegedly denying the detainees access to legal counsel and family members.

“This continued detention risks exceeding the period allowed by law. It also strains the trust that civil society has built with the DSS over the years,” the statement read.

The group demanded an immediate update on the status and location of the detained activists, expressing fears that they may have been secretly transferred to Abuja.

Growing Concerns Over Civil Liberties
The backlash against the arrest of VeryDarkMan and other activists underscores a rising concern among citizens and rights groups over shrinking civic space and increasing political intimidation in Nigeria.

As demands grow louder for the release of all detained activists, civil society leaders have warned that further suppression of dissent could trigger wider unrest.