Social media activist and critic Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has been detained by the Nigerian police. The incident comes after Otse visited a police station in Abuja, following an invitation related to a video he posted where he wore a police uniform and introduced himself as the “Chief Superintendent of Police of the online division.”
The police are yet to provide an official statement on the detention, which has led to speculation and criticism from the activist’s supporters and Nigerians who follow his work.
Lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, who represents Otse, was the first to confirm the detention. In a Twitter post on Thursday evening, Adeyanju shared, “Our client, VDM [VeryDarkMan] has been detained after honouring police invitation just like yesterday.”
Adeyanju expressed frustration with the authorities, emphasizing that Otse cooperated fully by showing up when summoned. “VDM has always said the Nigerian Police are our friends, even when we all know they are not,” Adeyanju wrote, criticizing the police for their handling of his client.
The situation began after Otse shared a video of himself dressed in a police uniform, referring to himself as a “chief superintendent” of a fictional “online division.” In the video, which quickly went viral, Otse appeared in a matching blue police outfit and mockingly introduced himself as an officer, a move many interpreted as satire directed at Nigerian law enforcement.
The footage, while humorous to his followers, didn’t sit well with the authorities. Police stated that they would investigate how Otse acquired the uniform and under what authority he presented himself as an officer, even if only for comedic effect.
Otse later issued an apology, clarifying that he had no intention of impersonating a real police officer. He explained that the video was intended purely as entertainment, not as a genuine assertion of police authority.
Otse’s decision to attend the police station in response to their invitation showed, as his lawyer put it, a willingness to comply with authorities. His followers had watched him share a video update just before his visit, dressed in a professional suit rather than the controversial police attire, as he prepared to address the police’s questions.
In the video, Otse said, “I’m heading to the station in Abuja to honor the invitation.” His tone suggested a calm and cooperative approach, yet, according to his lawyer, this show of goodwill did not prevent his detention.
The activist’s supporters have been vocal online, with many condemning the police for detaining him despite his cooperation. Social media flooded with hashtags calling for Otse’s release, with some questioning the police’s priorities and approach in handling the situation.
Martins Otse, as VeryDarkMan, has earned a reputation for his bold, outspoken criticism of Nigerian institutions and public figures. He regularly uses his platform to speak on social justice issues and has amassed a large following of Nigerians who appreciate his humor, satire, and willingness to address controversial topics.
Otse’s popularity as a critic has not come without consequences. Many view his recent video as a satirical commentary on Nigerian law enforcement, pointing out that his detention only serves to reinforce his message about the challenges Nigerians face with the authorities.
Adeyanju and other legal experts argue that the detention raises questions about freedom of expression in Nigeria. Some have called the police response excessive, noting that Otse’s video, while unconventional, should be viewed within the context of satire and free speech.
