Activist and online critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has taken to social media to thank everyone who advocated for his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ‘s custody.

In a video he shared online, VeryDarkMan, in particular, thanked Femi Falana (SAN) for joining the advocacy. Note that VeryDarkMan and Mr. Falana are currently locked in a legal battle over allegations of defamation.

The activist also appreciated his legal team, led by Deji Adeyanju, and thanked Cubana Chief Priest, Davido, Jojooflele, Dkokopee, and many others for their input.

“I didn’t expect Falana to say anything,” he said before adding in the caption, “I really want to appreciate everyone that lent a voice to say freeVDM, I have recorded over 15videos today because I don’t want to miss anyone’s name and I hope I didn’t miss anyone’s name. If I did una go help me still tag them and say the thank you on my behalf (TO THE RATEL MOVEMENT WORLDWIDE).”

Also, VeryDarkMan has addressed his arrest and detention by the EFCC. The activist claimed the anti-corruption agency still has his mobile phone, which he believes they may not return.

ALSO READ: Femi Falana contacts EFCC over VDM’s arrest

He further claimed the EFCC confiscated his phone and logged him out of his iCloud account, giving them access to his videos and evidence.

VeryDarkMan also warned the EFCC against posting his picture with a caption suggesting money laundering without providing the full context.

He said, “My phone is currently with the EFCC, but I bought another one after I was released. When I tried to log into my iCloud account, I realised I could no longer access it.

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“EFCC, I want us to start a friendship, but what could ruin that friendship is if you people post the picture you took of me and label it as money laundering.

“If you post that picture claiming it’s about money laundering, then you should also release the full context behind it.

“If I see my picture on your website with a caption suggesting money laundering, you’ll have to prove it. That’s where our issue will begin—and we will settle it in court. It might even become the first open court case of its kind.

“If you truly want friendship, remove any association of that image with money laundering, because it’s a lie against me. I don’t mind anything else you put up—no problem. In fact, I even want to use your placard as my profile picture.

ALSO READ: We’re outside: VeryDarkman speaks up as EFCC releases him from detention [VIDEO]

“They didn’t just keep my phone—they logged me out of my iCloud account, meaning they now have access to everything on that phone, including many videos and pieces of evidence. I have a strong feeling they won’t return the phone. And even if they do, the phone is as good as gone.”

Nigerian stars stepped out in style as they attended the AMVCA Cultural night in Lagos state today May 9.  The night preludes the main awards night which holds in Lagos on Saturday, May 10.  The stars all attempted to outdo each other as they stepped out all decked in traditional attires.  See more photos belowMercy AigbePretty MikeTeddy AElozonamDotunUrielSagaLiquaroseKenericsStan NzeUche JomboVJ AdamsBlessing ObasiThe post Uche Jombo, Mercy Aigbe, Uriel, Stan Nze, others step out in style for AMVCA cultural night appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

Three senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have formally agreed to dump their party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after meeting President Bola Tinubu.

The decision was reached after hours of discussion with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, May 9, 2025.

The lawmakers involved in the defection include Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South).

The APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje; Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris; Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, were present at the meeting, among others.

ALSO READ: Another southern governor hints at PDP exit

Ganduje led the three senators to the meeting, signalling the continuation of the recent influx of elected opposition figures into the AC.

Friday’s defection is the latest in a recent exodus of PDP members to the ruling party.

On Tuesday, Delta PDP lawmakers in the national assembly announced their defection to APC following a similar move by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and members of his cabinet.

The political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections has raised eyebrows in some quarters as critics alleged that President Tinubu is using state power to coerce opposition members to join his party.

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Critics also warned that the defection trend may lead to the installation of a one-party system in the country, which may stymie opposition and spell the death knell of Nigeria’s democracy.

ALSO READ: ‘Okowa’s defection driven by fear, not loyalty’ – Ex-APC chieftain