Atiku Slams VeryDarkMan’s Arrest, Urges Nigerians to Resist Tinubu’s Repressive Tactics

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has come out strongly against the detention of popular social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), labeling the move as a clear abuse of power under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on May 5, 2025, Atiku described VDM’s arrest—without formal charges—as a “flagrant violation of his constitutional rights,” adding that it reflects a growing trend of intolerance toward dissent. “This is part of a disturbing pattern: the relentless assault on the fundamental freedoms of Nigerians, particularly those who dare to speak truth to power,” he wrote.

VDM was reportedly arrested at a GTBank branch in Abuja after he publicly addressed unauthorized transactions from his mother’s bank account. Many observers believe his detention is tied to his persistent online criticism of government officials and policies. Atiku condemned the arrest as politically motivated, accusing the EFCC of being used to intimidate government critics while turning a blind eye to corruption involving administration loyalists.

“This disgraceful suppression of free speech must not stand,” Atiku stated, warning that such actions erode democracy and embolden authoritarianism. He further argued that the selective enforcement of justice—where critics are harassed while allies are protected—exposes the government’s hypocrisy. “Political allies with credible corruption allegations walk free, trading sycophancy for immunity,” he said.

Echoing Atiku’s concerns, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described the arrest as resembling an “abduction,” urging authorities to uphold the rule of law and respect civil liberties.

The incident has triggered widespread backlash, with civil society groups and online users expressing alarm over what they see as shrinking civic space under Tinubu’s leadership. Atiku called on Nigerians to resist such oppression, especially as the 2027 elections draw closer. “We must not allow state-sponsored repression to define our democracy,” he urged, emphasizing the need for accountability and the protection of fundamental rights.

As public pressure mounts, the EFCC has yet to address the claims of political bias behind VDM’s arrest.