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.
