In a new twist to the already controversial detention of popular online critic VeryDarkMan, Nigerian music star Naira Marley has taken to social media to call for the blogger’s immediate release from custody. Using the rallying cry “Free VDM now,” the Marlian Music boss has added his voice to a mounting public outcry against what many are calling an unnecessary and prolonged detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). As more celebrities and online personalities line up behind the cause, questions are swirling about the true reasons behind VeryDarkMan’s arrest, the legality of his continued detention, and whether Nigeria is seeing yet another clampdown on freedom of expression.

VeryDarkMan, known for his bold, no-holds-barred criticism of celebrities, influencers, and even state authorities, has become a household name in Nigeria’s digital space. His frequent video rants on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have made him both a hero to the youth and a thorn in the side of many public figures. So when news broke that he had been arrested, the internet erupted. At first, reports suggested that the Department of State Services (DSS) was responsible. But later updates pointed squarely at the EFCC, confirming that the controversial blogger had been taken into custody in Abuja over alleged ties to a woman involved in a money laundering case. Since then, the public has been waiting with bated breath for either an official charge or his release.

Naira Marley, who is no stranger to brushes with the EFCC himself, took to his social media platforms to voice his displeasure. In a series of posts and tweets, the singer demanded the immediate release of VeryDarkMan, tagging the EFCC and warning against what he called a “dangerous path” of silencing online voices. The hashtag #FreeVDMNow quickly started trending, with fans of both the musician and the blogger uniting to demand justice. Marley’s post read, “Enough is enough. Free VDM now! This is not how democracy works. You don’t jail someone just because they talk too much or expose uncomfortable truths.”

The singer’s involvement has not gone unnoticed. As someone who was previously arrested by the EFCC in 2019 on fraud-related charges before being granted bail, Naira Marley’s empathy for VeryDarkMan seems personal. Many believe that Marley, despite his checkered past, is now using his platform for a cause that resonates with young Nigerians tired of government overreach and selective justice. His decision to speak out has given more credibility to the movement and emboldened other influencers to follow suit. Celebrity makeup artist Bimpe Onakoya, comedian Sabinus, and even rising activist Debo Adebayo (Mr Macaroni) have all weighed in, urging the EFCC to either charge the blogger or let him go.

The EFCC, on its part, has remained largely silent, declining to provide a detailed explanation for VeryDarkMan’s detention. Sources within the agency allege that the blogger has been linked through WhatsApp messages and phone records to a woman currently under investigation for laundering several millions of naira. However, no formal charges have been brought forward, and no court date has been announced. Legal experts are beginning to weigh in, stating that the continued holding of the blogger without trial could amount to a violation of his constitutional rights. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong commented in an interview that “No Nigerian should be detained beyond 48 hours without being charged in court. The EFCC is not above the law.”

For fans and supporters of VeryDarkMan, this is not just about one man being in jail — it’s about a pattern. Over the past few years, several online personalities who have criticized the government or exposed alleged scandals have faced similar fates. From internet shutdowns to secret detentions, Nigeria’s record on press and speech freedom has come under increasing scrutiny. That’s why Naira Marley’s voice in this particular case carries extra weight. The musician is seen as a cultural rebel who speaks the language of the streets, someone who understands the power and peril of going against the establishment.

Beyond the legal and political layers of this saga, there is also the human angle. Friends and close associates of VeryDarkMan have raised concerns about his welfare, stating that he has not been allowed full access to his lawyers or family. In a video shared by his friend and fellow online commentator Angela Nwaorgu, she expressed frustration and fear for his safety. “We don’t know where he is. We don’t know how he is. All we’re asking is that he be treated fairly,” she said. The video has been viewed over 500,000 times and has fueled even more support for the #FreeVDMNow movement.

While the EFCC continues to investigate, many are urging the agency to act with transparency. As public sentiment shifts, the spotlight is now on the anti-graft body to prove that its actions are not politically motivated or aimed at silencing dissent. Meanwhile, public protests are beginning to take shape. A group of activists in Abuja has called for a peaceful demonstration outside EFCC headquarters later this week, demanding accountability and the unconditional release of the blogger. Flyers and posters with VeryDarkMan’s image alongside the words “He spoke for us, now we speak for him” are already circulating across campuses and marketplaces.

It remains to be seen how the EFCC will respond to this growing pressure, but what is certain is that the eyes of the nation — and indeed the world — are watching. The arrest of a popular social commentator like VeryDarkMan in a digital age where freedom of speech is both a tool and a weapon sets a precedent that many are unwilling to accept without resistance. As one protester aptly put it on Twitter, “Today it’s VDM. Tomorrow it could be me, you, or anyone who speaks up.”

For Naira Marley and others who have taken up the call, the message is clear: silence is not an option. Whether or not VeryDarkMan is guilty of any crime, the demand is for due process, not indefinite detention. And as the chorus grows louder, it’s becoming clear that this is no longer just a legal issue — it’s a test of Nigeria’s democratic values. Will the EFCC rise to the occasion and uphold the rights enshrined in the constitution? Or will they succumb to the age-old tactics of fear and suppression? Until then, the chant continues to echo across social media feeds and street corners alike: Free VDM Now.