Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, a prominent social media critic, has been freed from police custody after a nine-day detention that sparked widespread concern over freedom of speech and online expression in Nigeria. The activist’s release, occurring late on Sunday, marked the end of a period of uncertainty and outcry among his followers and fellow activists.
VeryDarkMan’s detention, initiated following multiple petitions against his online activities, raised questions about the boundaries of free speech in the country. However, the specific nature of the allegations leading to his arrest remains undisclosed.
Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, confirmed VeryDarkMan’s release through a post shared on social media platform X on Sunday. This recent episode marks the second time this year that the outspoken critic has found himself in police custody.
Earlier in January, VeryDarkMan was reported to have been arrested following a petition by actress Tonto Dikeh regarding comments made in the case involving the late Nigerian singer, Mohbad. The activist’s repeated encounters with law enforcement underscore the contentious landscape surrounding online expression and activism in Nigeria
