Former Vice President Atik Abubakar has condemned the arrest of Martins Otz, a social media influencer commonly known as the highly dark man, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale, Very Darkman was taken into custody after petitions from several individuals regarding cyberstalking claims.
His arrest and detention have seen young people swarming around the streets of Abuja in protest.
In a statement posted to X on Monday, Atik said the influencer’s arrest was another case of power abuse by President Bora Tinubu’s administration.
“Martins Vincent Otse, widely known by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), continued arresting and detaining social media influencers and outspoken critics.
“What’s even more surprising is the fact that Otz is being held without formal accusations is a serious violation of his constitutional rights and a calm memory of the growth of authoritarianism under this government.
“This latest episode is part of a disturbing pattern: the relentless attacks of the Tinubu regime on the fundamental freedoms of Nigerians, especially those who try to speak the truth or cooperate with political opposition for power.
“We must not allow state-sponsored oppression to become the decisive character of our democracy.”
Atiku says that security agencies can quickly target critics, but in many cases, completely ignore the legitimate process, political loyalists with credible allegations of corruption will walk freely and exchange immunity sycophancy.
“The systematic crackdown on the voices of opposition by the Tinubu administration is nothing but dishonorable. It is a humiliation against democratic norms, which must be slammed and resisted,” he said.
