Protesters demand release of social media influencer in abuja

Protesters demand release of social media influencer in abuja

By: Zagazola Makama

A group of protesters on Monday staged a peaceful demonstration in Abuja demanding the release of social media influencer, Mr Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), who was arrested on May 2 by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

It was gathered that the protest began around 9 a.m. at the GTBank branch located at Plot 1072 J.S. Tarka Street, off Faskari Street, Area 3 Garki, where VDM was arrested alongside one other individual.

The protest was sparked by public outcry on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, following the arrest.

Three men wearing T-shirts with the inscription ‘Free VDM’ were first seen at the bank premises before regrouping with over 100 individuals

The protesters, carrying placards with various inscriptions, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the influencer.

Police operatives from the Command’s State Intelligence Department (SID) and patrol teams were promptly deployed to the scene to ensure law and order.

The crowd was peacefully dispersed from the bank premises and proceeded to the EFCC Headquarters in continuation of their demonstration, reiterating their demands before moving on to Dantata Bridge along Airport Road, where they finally dispersed.

Police sources said “No untoward incident was recorded during the protest. The situation is under close monitoring,” the police added.

Police sources further assured that the deployment of anti-riot units to flashpoints, strategic locations, and government infrastructure within the FCT remains intact.

Protesters demand release of social media influencer in abuja