In a dramatic turn of events following the controversial detention and release of outspoken social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has summoned a police officer linked to a viral video advocating for the activist’s freedom.
According to an exclusive police wireless signal obtained by SaharaReporters dated May 7, 2025, Inspector Siyona Titus, attached to the 19 Police Mobile Force (PMF), has been summoned to Abuja for a high-level interview with the IGP. The directive, dispatched through the Police Press Force Headquarters, was addressed to the Assistant Inspector General in charge of PMF, with copies sent to several top brass in the force.
The terse but urgent signal read:
“ORDER AND DIRECTIVE – I RESPECTFULLY CONVEY IGP’S DIRECTIVE THAT YOU WARN AND RELEASE INSPECTOR SIYONA TITUS WITH GSM NO 08062896476, ATTACHED TO 19 PMF, TO INTERVIEW IGP THROUGH PRESSFOR ABUJA ON THURSDAY 08/05/2025 AT 1000HRS. TREAT AS VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE.”
While the exact reasons behind the summon were not explicitly stated, SaharaReporters reliably gathered that it was connected to a widely circulated video where Inspector Titus appeared to express solidarity with the embattled activist, calling for his immediate release. The video, which triggered intense public interest, reportedly irked senior officials within the security hierarchy.
VeryDarkMan, known for his unfiltered commentary and fearless exposés on corruption and societal decay, had been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last week following what the agency described as “multiple petitions” filed by undisclosed individuals. His detention sparked a digital uproar, with hashtags like #FreeVeryDarkMan and #JusticeForVDM dominating social media trends for days.
Following sustained public pressure and legal interventions, the EFCC released the activist on Wednesday evening to his legal counsel, renowned human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju. Omoyele Sowore, another prominent activist, also confirmed the release in a celebratory post on X (formerly Twitter):
“Thanks to unrelenting efforts of all, @thatverydarkman has been released from unjust detention at the @officialEFCC! He is with his ebullient lawyer, @adeyanjudeji.#RevolutionNow.”
SaharaReporters earlier revealed that the activist’s arrest was executed in a Gestapo-style operation on Friday, sparking national outrage. On Tuesday, reports emerged that the EFCC was interrogating him over incendiary comments he made online, accusing the agency of systemic corruption.
The intense interrogation session, which lasted several hours, was attended by Barrister Marvin Omorogbe from Adeyanju’s law firm. Sources confirmed that investigators grilled Otse over several of his viral videos and posts directly alleging corruption within the EFCC.
In a statement issued that same day, the EFCC confirmed his arrest and revealed that he had been granted administrative bail, pending fulfillment of stipulated conditions. The agency defended its action by stating that Otse had ignored multiple formal invitations sent to his known addresses and communication platforms.
The unfolding saga has once again spotlighted the fraught relationship between Nigerian authorities and digital activists. The summoning of a uniformed officer for voicing support for a popular activist raises new questions about freedom of expression within the force and the broader implications for civil liberties in Nigeria.
Stay with us for more updates on this developing story.
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