After five days of detention, Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known by his moniker Verydarkman, has been released from jail.
The Nigerian controversial social media personality and influencer was reportedly arrested for cyberbullying Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh.
The news of Verydarkman’s release was announced by lawyer and activist, Comrade Deji Adeyanju, who took to his social media handle to express gratitude to everyone involved in securing the release.
Verydarkman
“After 5 days of back and forth, we have secured VDM’s release. Thank you to everyone that made this happen especially, SOWORE, Kefiano & VDM’s wonderful lawyers,” Adeyanju wrote.
Verydarkman’s detention stemmed from allegations of cyberbullying Tonto Dikeh and accusing her of being associated with a toxic blog called Gistlover.
The arrest was first announced by Instagram blogger @officialstelladimokokorkus and subsequently confirmed by Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, who commended Dikeh for taking action against the critic.
According to reports, Verydarkman was held in a cell in Abuja, with allegations of cyberbullying and threats to Dikeh’s life. Doris Ogala, in a social media post, wished Verydarkman a pleasant stay in Kiri Kiri prison while praising Tonto Dikeh for her actions.
Displeased with the arrest, activist Omoyele Sowore criticized the police for misusing their power under the Cybercrime Act. Sowore highlighted the case of another social media influencer, Chizorom Ofoegbu, who was also arrested under similar circumstances. Sowore condemned the police’s actions, calling it high-handed, reckless, and unjust.
In a statement on his social media platform, Sowore urged the police to immediately release Verydarkman, Ofoegbu, and others detained under the Cybercrime Act, emphasizing the importance of upholding free speech and protecting individuals’ rights.
The release of Verydarkman comes after a period of intense scrutiny and criticism over his detention, with activists and supporters advocating for his freedom. With his release, attention now turns to ensuring that individuals’ rights and freedoms are upheld in the face of growing concerns about online harassment and censorship.
