When Will VeryDarkMan Be Released?

The wait for the release of popular social media activist Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), may soon be over. 

According to sources within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), there are strong indications that he could be released as early as Tuesday.

Although he remains in EFCC custody, VDM has not yet been officially charged. However, there are reports suggesting that formal charges might be filed against him in court on Thursday. 

A senior EFCC official, speaking under anonymity, confirmed this development but did not give further details.

VeryDarkMan’s arrest sparked widespread attention online and offline. His legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, disclosed that he was taken in during a joint security operation involving the EFCC, police, and DSS. Along with VDM, a friend identified as C Park was also reportedly arrested.

The reason behind the arrest has been linked to allegations of cyberstalking, a claim that has not yet been proven in court. Meanwhile, the news of his detention has stirred up strong reactions, especially from his young fanbase.

On Monday, dozens of youths took to the streets of Abuja, demanding his immediate release. Their protest began at the EFCC headquarters and stretched to a commercial bank, where VDM was allegedly apprehended. 

Holding placards with bold inscriptions like “Release Very Dark Man!” and “Seyi Tinubu, Are You Involved?”, the protesters accused authorities of unlawful detention and promised to take their demands further to the Nigerian Human Rights Commission.

The arrest of VeryDarkMan has reignited debates about freedom of expression and the treatment of outspoken figures in Nigeria. While the EFCC has not made an official public statement detailing the charges, many are closely watching the situation as it unfolds this week.

Will he walk free on Tuesday? Will the case proceed to court on Thursday? These are the questions supporters are asking, hoping that whatever happens next, it will be just and transparent.