Atiku Slams EFCC Over VDM’s Arrest

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has spoken out forcefully against the arrest and continued detention of outspoken social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

In a strongly worded statement posted to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, May 5, Atiku accused the Tinubu-led administration of weaponizing state agencies like the EFCC to silence critics and stifle dissent a trend he described as a “blatant abuse of power.”

Atiku expressed concern that VDM remains in custody without formal charges, calling it not just unconstitutional, but a disturbing sign of increasing authoritarianism in Nigeria.

“This latest episode is part of a disturbing pattern: the Tinubu regime’s relentless assault on the fundamental freedoms of Nigerians,” Atiku wrote.

He further criticized the government's double standards, noting how political allies with credible corruption allegations roam freely, while critics are swiftly rounded up, often with no regard for due process.

“Political loyalists trade sycophancy for immunity,” he said, adding that the situation threatens the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.

Atiku’s condemnation adds fuel to the growing public backlash against what many see as an alarming rise in state-sponsored repression under the current government.

As concerns grow over the shrinking space for free speech and opposition voices, Atiku’s statement serves as both a call to action and a warning: "We must not allow political intimidation to define our democracy."