After weeks of detention, social media influencer and activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has been released from police custody.
It’s noteworthy that VeryDarkMan’s arrest and detention were met with outrage, with many people considering it a repressive strike against free speech. His release is considered a win for the cause of getting him released and a confirmation of the effectiveness of the pressure.
The activist’s lawyer said that he was indeed released on June 10, 2024, to a Federal High Court in Abuja that granted him bail. No specific mention of the bail condition was made; however, it must have been fulfilled to warrant the release of the gentleman in question.
VeryDarkMan was charged on five counts, which were very closely related to cyberstalking; however, he was able to enter a formal denial of all the charges preferred against him. He had been earlier moved into police custody, but the prosecution wanted him to be held in prison within incarceration, but his lawyers prevailed, and the judge agreed that he remain in police custody.
His arrest has ignited serious concern from the public; people have demanded his release and an end to what they have considered a case of persecution.
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On the same note, in a statement, VeryDarkMan’s legal team thanked all those who had supported the campaign to free him, saying, “We are grateful for the outpouring of support and solidarity from Nigerians and the international community. We will continue to fight for the rights of all citizens to express themselves freely and without fear of persecution.”
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