By SpringNewsNG Media Limited | May 5, 2025

A United Nations-accredited human rights organization has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of Nigerian social critic and activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkBlackMan, calling it a blatant violation of fundamental freedoms.

In a statement released on Sunday, the International Organization for Human Rights Development and Environment (IOHRDE)—a global body with Special Consultative Status under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)—demanded Otse’s “immediate and unconditional release,” describing his arrest as “a direct assault on freedom of expression.”

Labeling VeryDarkBlackMan as “a symbol of truth, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice,” the organization praised his fearless grassroots advocacy in Nigeria, where he has gained national prominence for tackling corruption, abuse of power, and social inequality through media activism.

“By fearlessly addressing issues that affect the everyday lives of citizens… VeryDarkBlackMan has emerged as one of the leading voices of grassroots activism and public enlightenment,” the statement read. “The silencing of such a voice is not merely a personal attack on him, but a direct assault on freedom of expression.”

IOHRDE emphasized that such actions set a “dangerous precedent” in a democratic society, warning that the criminalization of dissent weakens democratic institutions and erodes the civic space critical to national progress.

The organization urged Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, respect both domestic and international human rights obligations, and protect those who hold power to account—rather than persecute them.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice, IOHRDE also called on the global community to show solidarity with “those who speak truth to power” and resist attempts to stifle their voices. The statement ended with advocacy hashtags: #FreeVeryDarkBlackMan #StandForJustice #DefendHumanRights.

The controversy erupted after SaharaReporters reported on Friday that Otse was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a visit to a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch. His legal counsel, activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, accused the bank of cooperating with security forces to facilitate the arrest.

According to Adeyanju, Otse was trapped inside the bank’s exit door for over five minutes, enabling EFCC operatives to detain him along with a companion. “We will be taking legal action against GTB for the inhumane treatment meted out to our client,” Adeyanju stated, adding that the legal team—led by Marvin Omorogbe—had located Otse and was actively pursuing his release.

The arrest has triggered widespread public outcry, with many viewing it as part of a broader crackdown on dissent and a troubling sign of state agencies being used to intimidate vocal critics.