Atiku Slams Tinubu’s Government Over VDM Detention
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has fiercely criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for detaining social media influencer Martins “VeryDarkMan” Otse , labeling it a brazen display of political repression by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement on Monday, Atiku accused the government of weaponizing law enforcement to silence dissent:
“The arrest and continued detention of VeryDarkMan without formal charges is a flagrant violation of constitutional rights and a chilling sign of growing authoritarianism under Tinubu.”
The Arrest: A Timeline of Controversy
- Detention Details: VDM was arrested by EFCC’s Special Duty Committee (SDC) Unit 4 at GTBank’s Garki, Abuja branch, following public criticism of the bank over unauthorized debits from his mother’s account.
- EFCC’s Vague Defense: Spokesperson Dele Oyewale cited “petitions from unidentified persons” but refused to confirm the arrest, stating, “We have some issues with him.”
- Public Outcry: Youth protests erupted in Abuja, demanding VDM’s release amid accusations of state-sponsored intimidation.
Atiku’s Warning to Nigerians
The former VP condemned the administration’s “systematic crackdown on opposition voices” as “disgraceful” and urged citizens to resist the erosion of democracy:
“We must not allow political repression to define our nation. This is part of a pattern—Tinubu’s relentless assault on free speech and critics.”
Why This Matters
- Civil Liberties at Risk: VDM’s detention without charges raises concerns about due process and press freedom.
- GTBank Connection: The arrest follows VDM’s viral expose on suspicious bank transactions, hinting at potential retaliation.
- Political Climate: Atiku’s criticism amplifies tensions between Nigeria’s ruling party and opposition factions.
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