Streets of Awka were flooded on Tuesday, August 5, as thousands of black-clad youths joined outspoken activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, in a peaceful walk demanding justice over the brutal murder of young entrepreneur, Martins Onyekere—the CEO of Fish Magnet. The slain businessman, known for his thriving fish business, was reportedly kidnapped and murdered in cold blood, sparking public outrage.
The protest kicked off at Aroma Junction and extended to the Ring Road area where Onyekere’s office was located, drawing attention from both locals and national observers. With chants for justice echoing across the city, VeryDarkMan led the charge, calling on the government to act decisively against growing insecurity in Anambra State.
Despite an earlier warning from the Anambra State Police Command, who advised the activist against inciting unrest, the march remained peaceful. Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga had issued a statement cautioning against actions that could “breach public peace,” while urging the public to allow the bereaved family mourn in dignity.
However, in a surprising twist, SP Ikenga later joined the walk in person, accompanied by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ejimofor Opara, and other officials—signaling some level of endorsement of the protest’s peaceful nature and intent.
Eyewitnesses described the demonstration as one of the largest public expressions of grief and civic pressure the city has witnessed in recent years. Placards bearing messages like “Justice for Martins,” “End Kidnappings Now,” and “Anambra Deserves Better” were held high as participants chanted solidarity songs under the scorching sun.
Speaking to reporters during the rally, VeryDarkMan condemned the rising insecurity in the South-East, particularly the frequent abductions and killings that go unresolved. “This is not just about Martins Onyekere. It’s about every life lost to silence and impunity. If we don’t speak now, more blood will spill,” he said.
The protest, which continued into the evening, has stirred a national conversation on security reforms, youth activism, and government accountability in Nigeria. Funeral arrangements for Onyekere are yet to be announced.
