Davido Calls for Release of Social Media Activist VeryDarkMan
posted 5th May 2025
Davido Calls for Release of Social Media Activist VeryDarkMan
Lagos, Nigeria – 5 May 2025: Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has publicly urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release social media influencer and activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely recognised as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The call comes amid widespread public support for VDM, who was arrested on 2 May 2025, following a visit to a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja to address unauthorised deductions from his mother’s account.
In a heartfelt post on X, Davido expressed admiration for the outpouring of support for VDM, stating, “Outside all the noise it’s good to see that the good one does actually impacts lives and Pple actually appreciate! The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging.. makes one want to do more for the masses ❤️ FREE MY GUY.” His message has sparked significant online traction, amplifying the #FreeVDM movement.
The EFCC confirmed VDM’s arrest, citing multiple petitions alleging cyberstalking. According to a statement from EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the activist was detained after complaints from individuals claiming harassment and intimidation via his social media platforms. The agency plans to arraign VDM in court, though specific charges remain undisclosed.
Protests erupted in Abuja on Monday, with scores of youths gathering outside GTBank’s Area 3 branch, chanting “Free VDM” and displaying placards with messages like “Activism is not a sin” and “VDM has committed no offence.” Demonstrators accused the EFCC of targeting VDM unjustly, with one protester, Bankole Ojo, questioning the agency’s involvement in cyberstalking cases, stating, “What’s the business of EFCC with cyberstalking? VDM is the voice of the voiceless.”
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VDM’s arrest has drawn criticism from prominent figures, including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, who described the arrest as resembling an “abduction” due to its lack of transparency and excessive force. Legal counsel Deji Adeyanju, representing VDM, condemned the EFCC’s actions and cut short a trip to Gambia to address the case, vowing to secure his client’s bail.
However, not all reactions supported Davido’s stance. Big Brother Naija star DeeOne criticised the singer, questioning the logic of his public call for VDM’s release, saying, “This thing now wey Davido tweet, does it make sense? Okay now as you dey tweet make them free your guy, EFCC office is it online?”
The EFCC has stated that VDM will be released upon meeting bail conditions, though details remain unclear. As public pressure mounts, with celebrities like Skales and Portable joining the call for his release, Nigerians await further updates on VDM’s fate.
Davido’s intervention highlights the growing influence of celebrities in advocating for social issues, further galvanising public support for VDM’s cause. The situation remains fluid, with the EFCC yet to provide a comprehensive statement on the matter.
