Nigerian activist and social media influencer, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, on Tuesday led a peaceful protest in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, to raise awareness about the growing insecurity in the state.
The protest was organized in response to the recent kidnap and killing of Mr. Martins Onyekere, the Chief Executive Officer of Fish Magnet — a business known for dealing in fresh and dried fish products.
VeryDarkMan, who had announced his arrival in Anambra over the weekend, said the peaceful walk was aimed at demanding justice for the slain entrepreneur and drawing attention to the rising spate of violence in the region.
Thousands of youths, all dressed in black, joined the activist in the protest. The crowd gathered first at the popular Aroma Junction before marching to the Ring Road Junction in Awka, where the late Onyekere operated his business.
Ahead of the protest, the Anambra State Police Command issued a warning to the activist, urging him to avoid actions that could disturb public order.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said:
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu has issued a stern warning to social media influencer Mr Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
He cautioned him against making statements or taking actions capable of inciting tension or breaching public peace within the State.”
The Command also advised the activist to respect the grieving process of the bereaved family and to avoid staging events that could potentially disrupt public peace.
“CP Orutugu urged residents and visitors alike to go about their lawful duties without fear, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
He further advised social media users and public figures to exercise restraint and avoid spreading misinformation or making inciting remarks,” the statement added.
Despite the caution, the protest remained peaceful and orderly. As of the time of this report, the walk was still ongoing.
Notably, several officials and security representatives joined the protest march, including SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, and the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Media, Mr. Ejimofor Opara, along with other government representatives.
