Popular Nigerian social commentator and activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has been released from detention after spending several days in custody.
The outspoken online personality was arrested last week over alleged defamation and cyberbullying following a series of controversial posts on social media targeting prominent figures and institutions. Sources close to the matter confirmed that Otse was granted bail late Tuesday evening and released shortly after completing necessary legal formalities.
His legal team has described the arrest as a “tactic to silence dissent,” insisting their client committed no offense beyond expressing his opinion in the public interest. Upon his release, VeryDarkMan posted a brief video to his social media platforms, thanking his supporters and reiterating his commitment to “speaking the truth, no matter the cost.”
“You cannot silence the truth. I’m back, stronger, and more determined than ever,” he said in the video, which quickly went viral across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. The activist’s detention had sparked widespread debate online, with many Nigerians calling for his immediate release, citing freedom of expression and the growing use of legal instruments to stifle criticism
In the viral video making rounds on social media, Verydarkman is seen seated in a car alongside his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.
Speaking directly to the camera, he expressed disbelief over the charges of money laundering brought against him, questioning why such accusations would be directed at someone who is not wealthy,
“How would they level allegations of money laundering on someone who doesn’t have money? I have done so many charity, they wonder how, they don’t know I use debt for charity,” he said.
He concluded, adding, “Anyway, we are outside, with my lawyer of course.”