New details have surfaced surrounding the dramatic arrest of social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The operation was a coordinated effort by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
VDM was apprehended last Friday at a bank in Area 3, Abuja, on allegations of cyberstalking.
Witnesses at the scene alleged that the activist was manhandled before being taken into custody by armed security operatives.
A senior security source confirmed that the arrest was executed based on a court-issued warrant and involved all three agencies. It was in response to multiple petitions filed against the controversial online figure.
A source quoted by The Nations aid: “It was a joint operation. After his initial interrogation by the EFCC, the police will take over, followed by the DSS. VDM has a long journey ahead of him.”
Despite claims by VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, that his client was being held by the EFCC, the commission denied having him in custody.
Meanwhile, the arrest has triggered protests in Abuja. Dozens of youths took to the streets on Monday, blocking roads in Wuse near Berger Bridge and converging at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi to demand VDM’s release.
The protesters chanted slogans like, “He’s not a thief,” and, “Release VDM,” while carrying placards condemning what they called an unlawful arrest.
“This is absolutely unacceptable. Demanding accountability is not a crime,” Adeyanju said.