Abuja turned into a rallying ground for defiance and solidarity as scores of Nigerian youths stormed the streets demanding the immediate release of outspoken social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse — famously known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
Wielding placards and chanting slogans that echoed through the capital, the protesters converged near a GTBank branch, turning the usually calm area into a hotbed of civic action. Their message was loud and clear: “Free VDM now!”
The popular activist and social critic was reportedly arrested over allegations of cyberbullying Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh — a development that has ignited intense debate online and offline. Known for his fearless commentary on corruption, social injustice, and celebrity culture, VDM’s sudden disappearance from social media sent shockwaves through his massive following, prompting urgent calls for his whereabouts and welfare.
Viral videos from the protest show a sea of youth marching with determination, many draped in black as a symbol of resistance, their chants underscoring deeper concerns about the shrinking space for free speech in Nigeria.
“This is not just about VDM,” one protester shouted into a megaphone. “It’s about the right to speak, to question, to demand better — without fear!”
The rally highlights a growing movement among Nigeria’s youth who are no longer content with staying silent on issues affecting digital rights and civil liberties. For them, VDM’s detention is a symptom of a wider trend — one where dissenting voices are being stifled through intimidation and legal threats.
As momentum builds, calls for transparency in the activist’s case are gaining international attention, with civil society groups urging law enforcement to uphold due process and ensure his rights are protected.
For now, the protest has sent a clear signal: the youth are watching, and they refuse to be silenced.
