Since the arrest and detention of activist and social media commentator Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), several prominent Nigerians, civil society, and others have demanded his release.
Joining voices with notable figures such as former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and others, Amnesty International condemned VDM’s continued detention.
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Calling for his immediate release, the organisation described the EFCC’s actions as a flagrant abuse of power.
In a statement, the global human rights organisation labelled VDM’s detention as arbitrary, stating that it was designed to intimidate and harass him—as well as others—who dare to criticise public and corporate institutions.
“The Nigerian authorities must end the arbitrary detention of Martins Vincent Otse. His detention by the EFCC is a clear abuse of power, solely meant to silence him and other activists,” Amnesty International stated.
The organisation noted that the circumstances surrounding VDM’s arrest suggest a calculated attempt to stifle his voice and punish him for exercising his constitutionally protected right to freedom of expression.
“Punishing individuals for expressing their opinions is unlawful. No institution is above scrutiny or criticism. VeryDarkMan’s efforts to hold public and corporate bodies accountable fall well within his rights,” the statement added.
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Amnesty International further decried the apparent misuse of law enforcement and anti-graft agencies to silence dissent, warning that such actions undermine the rule of law and democratic principles.
“The frequent manipulation of government agencies to suppress dissenting voices sets a dangerous precedent. The right to freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law. It is entirely unacceptable for the police—whose duty is to protect lives and uphold justice—to become tools for political repression,” the organisation said.
