Afrobeat legend, Seun Kuti has publicly aligned himself with the growing movement demanding the release of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
VDM was arrested on allegations of cyberbullying, sparking widespread protests and calls for justice across Nigeria.
In a video shared on social media, Kuti condemned the arrest, suggesting that influential religious leaders and financial institutions were behind the move to silence VDM’s critical voice. He stated, “As the Federal government is running our country, all these big pastors dey run Nigeria. The people of God are the ones fighting VDM for speaking the truth.”
This statement adds to Kuti’s previous comments where he described VDM as a “necessity” in society, emphasizing the activist’s role in holding corrupt politicians and their enablers accountable. Kuti has consistently defended VDM against attempts to discredit him, asserting that the activist serves a vital purpose in challenging the status quo.
The arrest has led to significant public outcry, with protests erupting in various cities. In Benue State, demonstrators set fire to GTBank branches as a form of protest against the arrest. Celebrities and public figures, including Davido and Peter Okoye (Mr. P), have also voiced their support for VDM, calling for his immediate release.
Kuti’s involvement underscores the deepening divide within Nigeria’s influencer community regarding issues of free speech, defamation, and the limits of online activism. As the situation develops, the calls for VDM’s release continue to grow louder, reflecting broader concerns about the treatment of activists and the importance of safeguarding civil liberties in the country.
