Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest and detention of popular activist Martins Otse, known as Verydarkman (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing it as an abuse of power.
VDM was arrested on Friday, and on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest, stating that it was based on multiple petitions from members of the public.
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Oyewale added that VDM would be charged to court as soon as possible.
Reacting in a statement posted on his Facebook page, Atiku described the incident as yet another blatant abuse of power by the President Bola Tinubu administration.
He said the action has made political repression a defining feature of its rule.
He expressed deep concern that VDM remained in custody without formal charges.
He called it a flagrant violation of his constitutional rights and a disturbing indication of the growing authoritarianism under the current government.
“This latest episode is part of a disturbing pattern: the Tinubu regime’s relentless assault on the fundamental freedoms of Nigerians, particularly those who dare to speak truth to power or align with the political opposition. We must not allow state-sponsored repression to become the defining character of our democracy.
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“While security agencies are quick to target dissenters and critics, often in complete disregard of due process, political loyalists with credible allegations of corruption walk free, trading sycophancy for immunity.
“The Tinubu administration’s systematic crackdown on opposition voices is nothing short of disgraceful. It is an affront to democratic norms and must be fiercely condemned and resisted”, said Atiku.
