Associates of controversial Nigerian social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), have accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of denying them access to provide him with food during his ongoing detention.
VDM, known for his outspoken social commentary and activist-style videos, was reportedly arrested by the EFCC on Friday. His legal representative, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the arrest in a statement, though the specific charges against him remain unclear as of press time.
Since his detention, VDM’s arrest has stirred significant concern on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the motive behind the action. Some critics have even accused a commercial bank of working with authorities in a “targeted attempt” to silence him.
One of VDM’s close friends, Koko Pee, released a series of videos expressing frustration after visiting the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. In the first video, he said they came with food for VDM but were turned away.
“We are here at the EFCC headquarters, trying to take food and go and see VDM. The body that took the beating needs to eat,” Koko Pee stated, referring to the emotional and physical toll the arrest might have taken on the influencer.
Shortly after, he shared a second video while leaving the EFCC premises. In it, he revealed that officers informed him of a strict directive preventing anyone from seeing or feeding VDM until Monday.
“There is a standing order for no one to see him or give him food until Monday,” he said.
Friends and followers of VDM have since voiced concerns about the conditions of his detention, with many demanding transparency and humane treatment. Some fear that restricting food access may amount to a violation of his basic rights.
“The law allows for detention, but not starvation,” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote in protest.
As of now, EFCC has yet to release an official statement regarding the allegations or explain the reason for VDM’s detention. Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
VDM, whose online videos often target celebrities, government officials, and social issues, has built a large following by calling out perceived injustice and hypocrisy. His outspoken style has earned him both fans and critics, and his recent arrest has only added fuel to ongoing debates about freedom of expression in Nigeria.
For now, supporters are demanding that VDM be treated fairly and given access to food and legal counsel while in custody. All eyes are on Monday, when the EFCC is expected to allow visitors and possibly provide updates on his situation.
