Nigerians Lament Injustice Amid Protest for VeryDarkMan’s Release: “People Are Losing Their Lives, But Police Are Here for a Peaceful Protest”

Amid rising public outrage over the continued detention of social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM), a peaceful protest held today in front of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja has sparked intense emotional reactions from Nigerians, both on the ground and online.

A visibly frustrated protester voiced what many see as the stark imbalance in government priorities, stating, “People are losing their lives all over Nigeria in Plateau State and Benue, but heavily armed police men are all over this protest ground — all because we are asking for the release of VDM.”

The protest, organized by a coalition of youth advocates, civil society supporters, and fans of VeryDarkMan, was meant to draw attention to what they describe as unlawful detention and suppression of free speech. Demonstrators carried placards with inscriptions like “Free VDM Now” and “Justice, Not Intimidation”, while calling on the EFCC and the federal government to respect citizens’ rights to expression and due process.

Many of the protesters criticized the heavy police presence, suggesting that security resources were being misdirected. “If this level of force was deployed to conflict zones like Mangu or Agatu, maybe we wouldn’t be burying people every week,” another protester told reporters.

The protest comes amid ongoing reports of violent attacks and killings in several Nigerian states, particularly in the Middle Belt regions of Plateau and Benue, where communities have repeatedly called for stronger federal intervention and protection.

Activist groups and legal observers are calling for transparency in the case against VeryDarkMan, and are urging the government to redirect its energy toward addressing national security and systemic injustice, rather than silencing dissent.

As the situation continues to unfold, more demonstrations are expected nationwide in the coming days. Civil rights advocates have also hinted at plans to pursue legal action over the alleged violation of the activist's rights.