By OBSERVERS TIMES
A global human rights organization with consultative status at the United Nations has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of Nigerian social advocate and media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkBlackMan, calling it a “direct assault on freedom of expression.”
In an official statement released today, the International Organization for Human Rights Development and Environment (IOHRDE), which holds Special Consultative Status under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), demanded the activist’s “immediate and unconditional release.”
IOHRDE described VeryDarkBlackMan as “a symbol of truth, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice,” praising his grassroots activism in Nigeria, where he has become known for tackling issues of corruption, abuse of power, and inequality.
“By fearlessly addressing issues that affect the everyday lives of citizens, ranging from corruption and abuse of power to societal inequalities, VeryDarkBlackMan has emerged as one of the leading voices of grassroots activism and public enlightenment,” the organization stated.
The statement further emphasized, “The silencing of such a voice is not merely a personal attack on him, but a direct assault on freedom of expression—a fundamental human right enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and recognized under the Nigerian Constitution.”
IOHRDE warned that detaining activists for speaking out sets “a dangerous precedent,” undermines democratic values, and shrinks the civic space essential for societal development. The organization urged Nigerian authorities to respect international human rights norms, follow due process, and protect dissenting voices rather than persecute them.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice and accountability, the group called on the international community to stand in solidarity with those “who speak truth to power” and resist efforts to silence them.
The statement concluded with the hashtags: #FreeVeryDarkBlackMan #StandForJustice #DefendHumanRights.
Reports indicate that VeryDarkMan was arrested on Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his visit to a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch. The arrest has sparked widespread online outrage, with many questioning the bank’s potential involvement in what critics are calling a calculated suppression effort.
His legal representative, activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, alleged that EFCC operatives ambushed his client within the bank’s premises. In a statement shared online, Adeyanju claimed that VeryDarkMan was deliberately trapped inside the bank’s exit door for over five minutes, facilitating his arrest by EFCC officers.
“VDM was locked inside the GTB exit door for over 5 mins to enable EFCC arrest him and his friend,” Adeyanju stated. “We will be taking legal actions against GTB for the inhumane treatment meted out to our client. We will issue a public statement soon.”
Adeyanju further revealed that his legal team, headed by Marvin Omorogbe, had located the detained activist and was actively working to secure his release.
The arrest has reignited concerns among observers regarding a perceived trend of targeting dissenting voices in Nigeria through the use of security and anti-corruption agencies to suppress free expression.
UN-Accredited Group Condemns Arrest of Nigerian Activist VeryDarkBlackMan, Demands Immediate
