Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, a popular social media influencer and blogger, was rearrested by the Nigerian police on Sunday.

The arrest, orchestrated under the direction of Commissioner of Police Benneth Igwe, has sparked significant controversy and debate across social media platforms.

According to Otse’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, the arrest occurred after Otse exposed an individual allegedly involved in defrauding a Nigerian living abroad.

Adeyanju took to his X account to voice his concerns, stating, “Our client, @thatverydarkman, has just been arrested by the police on the instruction of CP Igwe for exposing someone who allegedly duped a Nigerian abroad. Instead of the police to arrest the person alleged to have duped someone, they arrested VDM on allegation of defamation.”

The influencer’s arrest follows a recent release from police custody. On June 10, 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted Otse bail, which he satisfied, leading to his subsequent release.

This latest arrest marks a continuation of his legal troubles, stemming from his online activities and the content he shares with his followers.

Previously, on May 22, 2024, SaharaReporters revealed that VeryDarkMan had been arraigned on five counts related to cyberstalking.

The police prosecution team requested additional time to respond to the application, a request granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court.

During the court proceedings, the police sought to have Otse remanded in prison.

However, his legal team successfully argued for him to remain in police custody, leading to his detainment at the National Cybercrime Centre.

This arrest raises important questions about the balance between freedom of speech and legal boundaries in Nigeria.

Many supporters argue that VeryDarkMan is being unjustly targeted for his efforts to highlight and expose fraudulent activities that affect Nigerians, both at home and abroad.

Critics, however, believe that the manner in which he conducts his exposes can sometimes verge on defamation, warranting legal scrutiny.

The controversy surrounding VeryDarkMan’s arrest highlights broader concerns about the use of legal mechanisms to silence voices of dissent and those who seek to hold others accountable.

As this case continues to unfold, it will be closely watched by both legal experts and the general public, keen to see how it impacts the landscape of social media influence and accountability in Nigeria.

For now, VeryDarkMan remains in police custody, and his legal team is expected to file for another bail application while preparing to defend against the allegations of defamation.

The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how digital activism and online speech are treated under Nigerian law.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released its latest statistics, revealing a steady increase in broadband penetration across the country.

The data shows that Nigeria’s broadband penetration rose to 43.53% in March 2024, a significant recovery from previous declines.

According to the NCC, the total number of active internet subscriptions grew from 158.2 million in April 2023 to 164.4 million in March 2024.

This increase in internet users has been accompanied by a rise in broadband penetration, which saw a consistent upward trend over six consecutive months.

The report highlighted that broadband penetration had dropped from 48.28% in May 2022 to as low as 40.85% in September 2022.

However, it began to climb again in October 2023, reaching 41.01%, and continued to improve each month thereafter, peaking at 43.53% in March 2024.

Monthly Breakdown of Active Internet Subscriptions:

• April 2023: 158.2 million
• May 2023: 159.6 million
• June 2023: 159.5 million
• July 2023: 159.5 million
• August 2023: 159.1 million
• September 2023: 160.1 million
• October 2023: 161.1 million
• November 2023: 162 million
• December 2023: 163.8 million
• January 2024: 161.9 million
• February 2024: 163.3 million
• March 2024: 164.4 million

The report attributes the accumulation of active internet subscriptions to various technologies, including Mobile GSM, Mobile Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Fixed Wired, Wired and Wireless, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Monthly Breakdown of Broadband Penetration:

• November 2023: 41.87%
• December 2023: 43.71%
• January 2024: 42.53%
• February 2024: 43.08%
• March 2024: 43.53%

Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, commended the NCC for its regulatory efforts, which he said played a crucial role in the gradual rise in broadband penetration.

Adebayo noted that the federal government’s previous ban on SIM activation had significantly impacted broadband penetration across networks.

However, he praised the NCC for its effective regulation and called for the government to grant the NCC full regulatory independence to address key issues affecting telecom operations in Nigeria.

“The NCC’s management has done an excellent job in stabilizing and improving broadband penetration in the country,” Adebayo stated. “We hope the government will continue to support the commission’s efforts by ensuring it has the necessary autonomy to implement policies that will further enhance telecom operations in Nigeria.”

The NCC’s recent statistics provide a positive outlook for the country’s digital landscape, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand internet access and improve connectivity for millions of Nigerians.

As the country continues to recover from the post-COVID economic challenges, these gains in internet and broadband usage are seen as vital for driving economic growth and technological advancement.

The Nigerian business community was rocked by tragedy as Nick Imudia, former CEO of e-commerce giant Konga and current CEO of solar energy solutions innovator D.light, died by suicide in his Lekki apartment.

Imudia’s death, confirmed on the night of Tuesday, June 25, has left friends, family, and colleagues in a state of shock and sorrow.

According to sources, Imudia reportedly took his own life by jumping from the balcony of his home. In the moments leading up to the tragic incident, he made a series of distressing phone calls.

He reached out to his brother in the United States, giving detailed instructions on how to distribute his wealth should anything happen to him.

Imudia also spoke to his young daughter from a previous relationship, offering her comforting words and telling her to look to the sky to see him.

Imudia’s sudden death has raised many questions among those who knew him. Described by colleagues as a visionary leader, Imudia was instrumental in the growth of Konga, one of Nigeria’s largest e-commerce platforms.

After his tenure at Konga, he continued to make significant contributions to the tech industry as the CEO of D.light, a company known for its innovative residential solar energy solutions.

Imudia hailed from Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State and had a young daughter from a previous marriage that ended due to irreconcilable differences.

Despite the end of his marriage, those close to him said he maintained a strong bond with his daughter, often expressing his deep affection for her.

The reasons behind Imudia’s decision to end his life remain unclear. As news of his death spread, messages of condolence and tributes poured in from friends, family, and business associates.

Many have expressed their profound sadness and confusion as Imudia was widely seen as a successful and driven individual.

“Nick was a brilliant mind and a compassionate leader,” said a former colleague. “His death is a huge loss to the tech community in Nigeria and beyond. We are all struggling to understand why this happened.”

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Imudia’s death. Meanwhile, his family has asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time.

Nick Imudia’s death is a stark reminder of the unseen struggles many face, even those who appear successful and accomplished.

His passing has sparked conversations about mental health awareness, urging individuals to seek help and support when needed.