Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of popular social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing it as yet another abuse of power by the Tinubu administration.

In a statement released on Monday, Atiku decried the EFCC’s refusal to formally charge Mr. Otse, labeling the act a violation of his constitutional rights and a chilling reflection of the administration\'s growing authoritarian tendencies.

“This is a blatant abuse of power. The continued detention of Mr. Otse without charge is a flagrant violation of his rights and a stark reminder of the Tinubu government’s intolerance to criticism,” Atiku said.

He argued that the incident fits into a larger pattern of political repression, where the state apparatus is allegedly weaponized against dissenters, particularly those who speak truth to power or identify with the opposition.

“At a time when Nigerians expect democratic deepening, what we are seeing is the shrinking of civic space. Security agencies are quick to target outspoken citizens, while political loyalists with serious corruption allegations continue to enjoy freedom in exchange for loyalty,” he stated.