By Myke Uzendu
Social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) has finally been released from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody after spending five days in detention.
Pointblanknews.com had on Tuesday reported that The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted an administrative bail to VDM and that he will leave when he fulfills his bail conditions.
However, the news of his release was shared by former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore. His tweets, “Thanks to unrelenting efforts of all @thatverydarkman has been released from unjust detention at the @officialEFCC! He is with his ebullient lawyer, @adeyanjudeji . #RevolutionNow”
VDMs release comes after sustained advocacy and pressure from supporters and activists calling for his freedom.
Nigerian youths have continued to protest over the detention of VDM. A large crowd of protesters on Monday gathered at the headquarters of Guaranty Trust Bank in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of popular social media activist.
Chanting “#FreeVDM” and brandishing placards with messages such as “Activism is not a sin,” “VDM is the masses’ liberator,” and “VDM has committed no offence,” the demonstrators accused authorities of persecuting the controversial influencer for his outspoken criticism of public figures and institutions.
Some protesters also took to the streets in moving vehicles, chanting in solidarity and amplifying calls for his release.
Recall that VDM was arrested by EFCC over allegations of cyberstalking on Friday last week.
A source close to the commission said, “We picked him up based on several complaints that he used his social media platforms to harass, insult, and intimidate individuals — actions that may contravene the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.”