Davido has added his voice to the growing national uproar over the detention of outspoken social media activist VeryDarkMan, demanding his immediate release in a bold post on X (formerly Twitter) that is already igniting massive reactions online. The award-winning Afrobeats icon praised the overwhelming support Nigerians have shown for the detained critic, declaring, “FREE MY GUY.”
VeryDarkMan, known for his fiery exposés and street-level advocacy, was arrested on Friday, May 3, 2025, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Although the commission has yet to release formal charges, the timing of the arrest—shortly after the activist visited a GTBank branch in Abuja to lodge a complaint over deductions from his mother’s account—has sparked allegations of intimidation and suppression of dissent.
Eyewitness accounts remain conflicted, with some claiming he was picked up inside the bank, while others suggest he was arrested outside the premises. Either way, the EFCC’s silence has done little to quell suspicion and fury online, where the hashtag #FreeVDM continues to trend across platforms.
Celebrities, influencers, and civil rights advocates have flooded social media demanding transparency, due process, and VDM’s immediate freedom. Davido’s public endorsement of the movement now brings a new wave of attention to the issue. “Outside all the noise, it’s good to see that the good one does actually impacts lives,” Davido wrote. “The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging… makes one want to do more for the masses.”
Davido’s statement has been widely interpreted as more than celebrity support—it’s a cultural megaphone amplifying a growing distrust in how public institutions treat voices that challenge the status quo. The singer, known for blending entertainment with activism, previously took similar stands during the #EndSARS protests, a fact that’s now resurfacing as comparisons are drawn.
The EFCC has faced mounting criticism for what many see as heavy-handed tactics, particularly in cases involving social media critics. Legal experts have begun calling on the commission to publish a statement or charge sheet, noting that the longer the silence continues, the more legitimacy it loses in the court of public opinion.
This isn’t just about one man anymore. The VeryDarkMan arrest is becoming a symbol of the fight for freedom of expression, and Davido’s backing may be the pressure point that tips the scale.
